BR-2301 Environment and Disaster Management 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 – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.

Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines 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 – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence

WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations.

Position Summary

WWF seeks an Environment and Disaster Management (EDM) Undergraduate Intern. As a part of the WWF Climate Adaptation and Resilience program, the EDM team works to ensure that disaster risk reduction, recovery, and reconstruction efforts include environmentally responsible practices and policies. The intern will have opportunities to learn about environmentally responsible disaster risk management and contribute to multiple areas of work within the team such as natural and nature-based flood management, green disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction, and others depending on specific interests.

Responsibilities

Internship Description:

• Supporting the Flood Green Guide (FGG) program by assisting in the development of online and/or in-person trainings and in the implementation of the FGG Youth Champions Program initiative, among others.

• Conducting literature research and developing fact sheets, case studies and research products related to environmentally responsible disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction, nature-based solutions for flood management, the global sand crisis, and other EDM programs, as needed.

• Supporting program website communications including web stories, videos, newsletters, and promotion using social media and website platforms.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date.

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in communications, environmental/natural resources management, conservation sciences, urban planning, climate change, disaster/emergency management and/or development. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply.

• Strong research and communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Curiosity, creative and innovative thinking.

• 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:

• Experience and/or interest in youth engagement programs and/or environmental justice-related topics is a plus.
• Strong research and communication skills.
• Social media savvy: ability to develop social media presence.
• Interest and/or experience and skills in website management, digital design, video/audio production is a plus.

Learning Outcomes

• Further understanding of the relationship between environmental issues and disasters, including but not limited to environmentally responsible disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction, nature-based approaches to flood management and natural resource management issues related to the built environment.

• Strengthen communication skills, potentially including the development of content for websites, social media and other platforms.

• Strengthen research skills including the ability to develop knowledge products such as fact sheets and case studies related to disasters and the environment.

• Experience working in a dynamic, international, and collaborative team.

WWF interns will be provided 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 CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.

Location:

US-DC-Washington

Compensation:

Paid - $17 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 5, 2023 to August 11, 2023

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition# BR-2301. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.

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

*Please note that intern must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.