World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Advancing Conservation beyond Protected Areas Graduate or Undergraduate Intern.

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 on 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.

Context for the Internship

Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), agreed in 2022, sets a global target of at least 30% conservation coverage of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This target is to be achieved through the establishment or identification of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), while recognizing Indigenous and traditional territories (CBD, 2022). A protected area is a site that is dedicated and managed for the conservation of biodiversity. An OECM is a “geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity” (CBD, 2018). The key distinction between a protected area and an OECM, therefore, is that a protected area should be dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, while an OECM should deliver the long-term conservation of biodiversity regardless of management objective.

In October 2024, in Cali, Colombia, Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will meet to assess progress on the GBF. Ahead of that meeting, we plan to host an event on OECMs and Indigenous and traditional territories. The successful candidate will support the organization of that meeting, in a range of capacities.

Position Summary

The Conservation Areas Initiative (CAI) team will be supporting WWF advance the Target 3 agenda towards COP-16 of the CBD. To inform debate about OECMs, a partnership of organizations will conduct a rapid review of complex issues around the topic to be discussed at a pre-COP meeting. The Intern will support the CAI team in research and analysis of conservation beyond Protected Areas and supporting the organization and logistics of an OECM 2024 event with existing and prospective partners.

The relevant responsibilities include research (30%), event planning, logistics, and communications (70%).

• Support in-depth desk research and benchmarking analysis on how to advance the OECM and ITT agenda
• Deliver above research findings to help inform the team’s priorities and engagement strategy towards and during COP-16 CBD
• Aid on logistics and organizations for CBD event
• Draft key deliverables for the OECM 2024 event to take place before COP-16 CBD (written presentations, briefing materials, talking points) to advance external engagements and strategy development
• Organize brainstorming and workshop sessions with internal teams and partners to shape WWF’s concept for the event
• Coordinate internal and external calls to advance relationships and logistics with key partners towards the planning of the event
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate or undergraduate program in environmental studies, sustainability, law or similar. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date.
• Working knowledge and interest for learning and following the evolving space of biodiversity agenda and protected and conserved areas.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work both independently and manage complex projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability, and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with events organization
• Spanish speaking will be considered an advantage
• Understanding of Convention on Biological Diversity
• Interest in protected and conserved areas, rights and the CBD is important, though a high level of knowledge is not critical.

Learning Outcomes

This position will conclude with enhanced knowledge about the CBD, how a COP works, about the 30×30 target and OECMs, and about the related players and politics. You will gain experience of organizing a major international event.

• Gain experience working in a global conservation organization
• Better understand the biodiversity international agenda
• Hone ability to distill large amount of research into succinct deliverables
• Develop work experience, communication, interpersonal and other critical skills necessary for job success

WWF interns will be provided a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes:

• Development discussions with their manager
• Speed mentoring with different WWF teams

• Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff
• Session on resume and interviewing best practices

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.

Location:

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

Compensation:

Paid. Either full or part-time, 16-21 hours per week.

Graduate level: $22.50 per hour. Undergraduate level: $20.50 per hour.

In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to the Protected and Conserved Areas and biodiversity agenda and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.

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

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #IN-24051
• 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.