Private Sector Finance Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading conservation organization that has been operational for 60 years, dedicated to helping people and nature thrive. With a presence in over 100 countries, WWF connects innovative conservation science with the collective power of partners in the field, boasting one million members in the U.S. and five million supporters globally. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, striving to create a diverse environment that fosters the best conservation outcomes for the planet and its inhabitants. WWF is unified by core values of Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration, which guide its mission and operations.

Job Overview:
The Private Sector Finance Intern will play a crucial role within WWF’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) team, focusing on engaging with the U.S. private finance sector to support WWF’s conservation mission. The intern will assist in developing strategies to engage private financial institutions, working on projects that include conducting landscape assessments of financial mechanisms like corporate sustainability-linked loans and bonds. The role will involve collaboration with programmatic colleagues and other teams to identify opportunities and coordinate engagements with partners. The intern will have the chance to work on specific projects that align with their skills and interests, contributing to WWF's broader goals in conservation finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for conducting desk research and analysis on major financial institutions' commitments to sustainability, particularly those relevant to WWF’s conservation mission. They will perform a landscape analysis of corporate sustainability-linked bonds and loans, cataloging sustainability outcomes and key institutions involved. The intern will analyze trends and opportunities for WWF to mobilize private finance for conservation efforts, conduct research on financing models for landscape-scale conservation, and update project management systems to track ongoing projects. Additionally, they will gather and organize a knowledge management catalog of resources to inform engagement strategies and support the due diligence process for partnerships with finance sector partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing a graduate program in Business, Policy, or Public Administration, although those studying in other fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be actively enrolled students and not have received their degree by the internship start date of June 16, 202

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, along with professional experience or coursework in business, finance, economics, or corporate sustainability. Strong research, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and manage complex projects. Candidates should align with WWF’s core values and demonstrate courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration in their work.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a graduate program related to Business, Policy, or Public Administration. While these fields are preferred, students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply, provided they have relevant skills and interests in the conservation and sustainability sectors.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some level of professional experience or coursework in business, finance, economics, or corporate sustainability. This experience will help them understand the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability and the financial sector's role in conservation efforts.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as the primary language of communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a paid internship position offering $22.50 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 hybrid, requiring the intern to be present in either the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office or the WWF San Francisco, CA Office for a minimum of two days per week. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Candidates will need to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant skills, connection to nature, obstacles faced in entering the field of environmental conservation, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. A letter of recommendation will also be required if selected.