Plastic Policy and Economic Research Undergraduate Intern

Overview

WWF Overview  

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – with one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.    

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. 

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration. 

BRIDGE is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway. 

Position Summary 

This internship provides an opportunity to improve project coordination and research skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about companies and environmental issues, specifically plastic waste, and contribute to WWF’s mission. The intern will work closely with members of WWF’s Private Sector Engagement and Policy and Government Affairs teams and interact with a wide community of plastic policy experts across industry, government, and NGOs. The intern will support our policy team leading up to INC-5.2, including supporting multistakeholder meetings, events, and conduct a research project around policy development, such as economic messaging or global financing mechanisms. 

Responsibilities

Internship Description: 

• Support planning of global event around plastic pollution 
• Attend multistakeholder meetings and support WWF leaders in treaty negotiation process 
• Conduct research project around plastic policy development 
• Support Plastic and Material Science team on state and federal policy around EPR, DRS, and other relevant priorities 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Finance, Economics, or International Development. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 16, 2025). 
• Excellent research, analytical, communications and project management skills required. 
• Scientifically minded, analytical thinker, effective communicator, attention to detail are required. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently and as part of a team on multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
• Proactive problem-solving and good communication skills (written and verbal) are obligatory. 
• Skills in PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel required. 
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.  
• Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.  
• Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.  
• Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.  
• Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:  
• Demonstrated familiarity with the environmental impacts of supply chains and/or plastic pollution and role of policy to support positive environmental outcomes  
• Experience in or in-depth knowledge of federal, state, or global environmental policy 

Learning Outcomes 

• Develop an understanding related to packaging and material sustainability and build skills in creating deliverables in the form of reports, presentations, etc. 
• Gain experience in UN processes around global plastics policy and treaty negotiations 
• Deepen understanding of responsible material management, plastic pollution, circular material systems and waste management 
• Gain experience in multistakeholder engagement and decision-making on plastic sustainability issues 
• Build skills engaging with WWF Private Sector Engagement and Policy and Government Affairs teams on cross-cutting projects and topics 

WWF interns will be offered a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes: 

• Development discussions with their manager; 
• Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program; 
• Speed mentoring with different WWF teams; 
• Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff; 
• Session on resume and interviewing best practices. 

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s staff and leadership team. 

Location: 

This position is flexible on location. The intern may complete the internship either in Washington DC or other states, with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming. 

Compensation: 

Paid - $20.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week) 

Internship Dates: 

Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe: 

• Your relevant skills and interest for this position 
• Your connection to nature and the environment  
• What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation? 
• How you could contribute to the field of conservation. 

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.  

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 will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.