WWF Overview

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.

Our vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible – bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives in it.

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration.

Position Summary

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Plastic and Material Policy Researcher (Intern). The intern will work closely with members of WWF’s Private Sector Engagement department on the Plastic & Material Science team. This internship provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers and business stakeholders, improve research and project coordination skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about supply chains and sourcing, corporate sustainability, public policy, and environmental issues, and contribute to WWF’s mission. The work will involve research relating to agricultural commodity sourcing, material production, and sustainability, as well as public policy and standard setting. The internship also provides the opportunity to interact with representatives from US & European companies as well as WWF’s global network.

• Researching and analyzing the environmental performance and supply chain risks of materials (e.g., textiles, food and beverage packaging, etc.), with a focus on recovered and biobased materials.
• Assisting with the assessment of environmental, social, economic and supply risks associated with commodity sourcing.
• Conducting policy analyses across various jurisdictions and developing presentations based on these analyses.
• Communicating results and connecting analysis to broader WWF mission.
• Assisting with planning for multi-stakeholder convenings and events.
• Coordinating with external parties including companies and the WWF network.
• Supporting the work of other members of the WWF Plastic & Material Science and Private Sector Engagement teams on new opportunities and theory of change.
• Other duties as assigned related to circular economy, environment justice, corporate sustainability, and public policy.

• Current or recent graduate student in a relevant field such as natural resources, packaging material science, supply chain management, environmental science, environmental policy, or sustainable development are preferred; highly qualified undergraduate students may be considered. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply.
• Full-time (~35 hours per week), paid for 6 months.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail are obligatory.
• Experience with managing research projects and interfacing with external partners is preferred.
• Ability to work productively on both independent research assignments and as part of a team.
• Proactive problem-solving and good communication skills (written and verbal) are obligatory.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the environmental impacts of agriculture, agribusiness and the food industry, packaging and/or material science, rural development issues, corporate sustainability strategy, and economics is preferred.
• Experience with policy analysis and knowledge of global policy preferred.
• Skills in Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word are obligatory; other programs (e.g., GIS, reference management software) and/or programming experience is helpful.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of foreign languages (e.g. Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, or Chinese) is a plus.
• Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

US Remote – WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

*Please note that WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #IN-23035
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.