Plastic and Material Science Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and their habitats. Established in 1961, WWF has grown to become a global entity with a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of more than 6,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development, striving to create a sustainable future for both the planet and its inhabitants.

Job Overview:
The Plastic and Material Science Intern will play a crucial role in supporting WWF's mission to combat plastic pollution through financial mobilization. This internship is designed for students who are eager to enhance their research and project coordination skills while gaining insights into corporate sustainability and environmental challenges. The intern will collaborate closely with the Private Sector Engagement department, specifically within the Plastic & Material Science team, to conduct research on financing mechanisms that address plastic pollution. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant environmental initiatives while developing professional skills in a supportive and educational environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include synthesizing information on funding mechanisms for circular solutions to plastic pollution, researching and evaluating corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data to support WWF's ReSource Plastic corporate platform, and assisting with event management for WWF's Plastic Summit. Additionally, the intern will draft internal memos, presentations, and emails as needed, communicate analysis in relation to WWF's broader mission, and support the research, writing, analysis, and administrative coordination for the Plastic & Material Science and Private Sector Engagement teams. Other duties may be assigned related to corporate sustainability and mobilizing finance for circularity and plastic pollution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Graduate Degree in fields such as economics, natural resources, packaging material science, supply chain management, environmental science, environmental policy, or sustainable development. While these areas are preferred, students from other disciplines are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with ESG risks and corporate sustainability strategies is preferred, along with strong analytical and research skills, attention to detail, organizational abilities, and effective time management. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, capable of working independently and collaboratively, and possess clear written and verbal communication skills. Proactive problem-solving skills and alignment with WWF's core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a degree program, preferably in economics, natural resources, packaging material science, supply chain management, environmental science, environmental policy, or sustainable development. Students from other fields are also welcome to apply, provided they can receive academic credit for the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate familiarity with ESG risks and corporate sustainability strategies. Strong analytical and research skills are essential, and any previous experience in related fields will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is an unpaid internship, and applicants must be enrolled in school and able to obtain academic course credit from their university. The position can be part-time or full-time, depending on the intern's class schedule and availability. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. WWF employs interns in all states except Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter and resume through the WWF Careers Page, referencing Requisition #IN-2602

• Due to the high volume of applications, WWF is unable to respond to inquiries via phone.