Internship - Plastic Policy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading conservation organization that has been operational for 60 years. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a membership base of one million in the United States and five million supporters globally. The organization collaborates with communities, companies, and governments to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes. WWF is committed to diversity and inclusion, aiming to create an environment where various perspectives contribute to the mission of conservation. The organization values Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration, which guide its operations and interactions.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at WWF is designed to enhance project coordination and research skills within a professional context, focusing on environmental issues, particularly plastic waste. Interns will gain insights into the workings of companies and the environmental sector while contributing to WWF's mission. The role involves close collaboration with the Private Sector Engagement and Policy and Government Affairs teams, providing interns with the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of plastic policy experts from various sectors including industry, government, and NGOs. The intern will support the policy team in preparation for INC-5.2, which includes organizing multistakeholder meetings, events, and conducting research projects related to policy development, such as economic messaging and global financing mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting the planning of a global event focused on plastic pollution, attending multistakeholder meetings, and assisting WWF leaders in the treaty negotiation process. Additionally, the intern will conduct a research project centered on plastic policy development and support the Plastic and Material Science team on state and federal policies related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Systems (DRS), and other relevant priorities. This role requires active participation in various projects and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or International Development, although students from other fields are encouraged to apply. It is essential that applicants are actively enrolled students and have not yet graduated by the internship start date of June 16, 202

• Strong research, analytical, communication, and project management skills are required. Interns should be scientifically minded, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting deadlines while working independently and collaboratively. Proactive problem-solving abilities and effective written and verbal communication skills are mandatory. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, is also required. Candidates should align with WWF’s core values and demonstrate courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration in their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program, preferably in Finance, Economics, or International Development. However, students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply, indicating that WWF values diverse educational experiences and perspectives.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in environmental issues and policy. Familiarity with the environmental impacts of supply chains and plastic pollution, as well as knowledge of federal, state, or global environmental policy, is preferred but not required. The internship is aimed at individuals who may not have extensive professional experience, particularly in the conservation field.

Languages:
The job posting does not specify mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is implied as the primary language of communication within the organization. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a paid position, offering $20.50 per hour for a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. The internship will run from June 16, 2025, to August 22, 202

• The position is flexible regarding location, allowing interns to work from Washington DC or other states, with the exception of Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Upon selection, candidates will need to provide a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Additionally, interns will have access to professional development opportunities, including discussions with managers, online courses, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities with WWF staff and leadership.