Policy and Government Affairs - Fall 2026 Intern

At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible, bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one ofthe world's leading conservation organization, seeks aPolicy and GovernmentAffairsFall 2026Intern.The Policy and Government Affairs(PGA)departmentof the World Wildlife Fund isseekingpart-time tofull-time interns for policy research, analysis, and outreach.Given the diversity of issues that the Policy and Government Affairs staff covers, research and analysis may entail working with legislation, regulations, and potentially court cases. By contrast, research, analysis, and support may include assessing government agencies' roles, policies, and positions on issues relating to WWF's mission, or writing of brief materials about U.S. government agencies.

Outreach may entail covering congressional hearings and markups and preparing, and attending congressional, administration, and/or NGO coalition briefings. Subject matter will cover many of the issues in which WWF is involved, including biodiversity conservation (e.g., endangered species and habitat protection), natural resource management (e.g., fisheries, forestry, and agriculture), environment and security, climate change, and energy.

ATTN:The PGA team followstheWWF-HQ hybridschedule,and interns are expected to come into the WWF HQ DC office two days a week.

Internship Description:

• Helpsmonitorgovernment websites, newsletters, and databases toidentifyrelevant funding opportunities.

• Conduct research and analysis on federal agency priorities, programs, budget trends, policy developments, and technical topics to inform proposal pipeline strategy and proposal efforts.

• Under the guidance of Proposal Managers, support proposal coordinationtasks including tracking deadlines, organizing documents, and coordinating inputs from team members.

• Assistwithpipelinedatabasemanagement

• Support the development of the team's AI Policythrough background research.

• Research, writing & analysis onvarious topics,including food and water security, foreignassistance, marine and fisheries issues, species/wildlife trafficking, climate change,andnational security.

• Monitor and summarize Congressional hearings, policy briefings, coalition meetings, and other relevant events and materials to inform organizational policy and advocacy efforts.

• Conduct stakeholder and policy research to support engagement with Congressional offices, federal agencies, and Administration officials on legislation, appropriations, and rulemaking activities.

MinimumRequirements:

Only enrolled students are eligible for this internship, as you must be able to receive academic credit from your current academic institution.Students must be able to work eitherpart-timeorfull-time, depending on class schedule and availability. Please note: This internship is forFall2026.

Desired Skills and Qualities:

• Undergraduateor Graduatestudent:Must be an actively enrolled student and not have received a degree at the time of the internship start date (September 2026).

• Interest in conservation and international development issues with a concentration in International Relations, Public Policy, American Government, or Political Science. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply.

• Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration (specifically USDA, NOAA,and U.S. State Department), and non-governmental organizations.

• Excellent written and verbalcommunicationskills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, collaboratively and independently.

• Strong interpersonal skills crucial for developing working relationships, internally and externally.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Attention to detail.

• 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.

Compensation:

Unpaid. For all unpaid internships, applicants must be enrolled in school and be able to obtain academic course credit from their university.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired willbe required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.