About WWF
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to protecting nature and reducing the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
WWF works across more than 100 countries, collaborating with governments, communities, businesses, and partners to create sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
At WWF, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration are central to achieving meaningful conservation outcomes. The organization values the unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge that individuals bring to its mission.
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Internship Overview
WWF is seeking an OECM and ITT Intern to support the Conservation Areas Team (CAT) in advancing the implementation of Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, with a focus on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs).
Job Title: OECM and ITT Intern (IN-26045)
Organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Location: Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, United States
Job Type: Internship (Part-Time)
Working Hours: Up to 20 Hours per Week
Compensation: $20.50/hour (Undergraduate Students) | $22.50/hour (Graduate Students)
This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to international conservation initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and digital platform administration.
The intern will work closely with the Lead Specialist, Conservation Areas, and support WWF’s efforts to strengthen conservation practices globally.
At the conclusion of the internship, the successful candidate will prepare a report highlighting key contributions, achievements, and learning outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Technical and Coordination Support
The intern will:
- Provide technical, logistical, and coordination support for regional exchanges focused on OECMs and Indigenous and Traditional Territories.
- Conduct research on enabling conditions that support national implementation of OECMs.
- Identify cross-country trends, lessons learned, and best practices.
- Support the development and monitoring of consultant agreements and partner grants.
- Assist with ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and compliance requirements.
- Contribute to stakeholder coordination and communication activities.
OECM Platform Management
The intern will support WWF’s global OECM Platform by:
- Collaborating with the OECM Platform Manager and Conservation Areas Team.
- Researching and adding publications, reports, guides, training materials, films, and resources to the platform’s Resource Library.
- Researching and publishing relevant conservation news in the platform’s Newsroom.
- Identifying and uploading external case studies.
- Reviewing and publishing submissions received through the platform’s contact system.
- Supporting the preparation and distribution of platform update communications.
- Reviewing inquiries received through the platform’s contact page.
- Monitoring and analyzing platform performance metrics.
- Tracking website issues and coordinating feedback with web developers.
- Participating in bi-weekly platform management meetings.
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants should be:
- Current undergraduate students, or
- Recent graduates
In one of the following fields:
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Environmental Law
- Communications
- Related disciplines
Required Skills and Experience
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Conservation Interest
- Strong interest in protected and conserved areas.
- Passion for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
Research and Analytical Skills
- Ability to conduct research and analyze complex information.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Communication Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Google Sheets
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Professional Attributes
Candidates should be:
- Reliable and proactive.
- Highly organized.
- Eager to learn.
- Comfortable working collaboratively in team environments.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, preference may be given to candidates with:
- Experience related to protected and conserved areas.
- Knowledge of OECMs and Indigenous and Traditional Territories.
- Experience conducting literature reviews or comparative research.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Experience with content management systems and workflows.
- Experience managing digital content libraries.
- Experience tracking website or platform performance metrics.
Learning and Development Opportunities
This internship offers valuable exposure to international conservation policy and practice.
By the end of the internship, participants will have:
Enhanced Conservation Knowledge
- Developed a deeper understanding of Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Gained practical knowledge of OECMs and Indigenous and Traditional Territories.
- Increased awareness of international conservation governance processes.
Strengthened Research and Policy Skills
- Improved research synthesis capabilities.
- Developed policy analysis and knowledge product development skills.
- Strengthened analytical thinking and reporting abilities.
Project Coordination Experience
- Gained experience coordinating projects and stakeholders.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration skills.
- Developed experience working within international conservation initiatives.
Knowledge Management Expertise
- Learned digital content management and publication workflows.
- Contributed to maintaining a global conservation knowledge platform.
- Built practical skills in information organization and dissemination.
WWF Core Values
Successful candidates should align with WWF’s core values:
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Respect
- Courage
Compensation and Benefits
WWF offers:
- Competitive hourly compensation:
- $20.50 per hour for undergraduate students
- $22.50 per hour for graduate students
- Hands-on experience with a globally recognized conservation organization.
- Professional mentorship and learning opportunities.
- Exposure to international biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
- Practical experience in conservation research, policy, and knowledge management.
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Please note:
- WWF does not provide visa sponsorship for interns.
- Employment eligibility verification will be required upon hire.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A current Resume/CV
- A Cover Letter
Applications must be submitted through the WWF Careers Page using:
Requisition Number: IN-26045
Due to the high volume of applications, WWF is unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
WWF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
