Policy and Government Affairs - Spring 2027 Intern at WWF in Washington, DC

Job description

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world's leading conservation organization, seeks a U.S. Government Partnerships (USGP) Spring 2027 Intern. The U.S. Government Partnerships team, housed within WWF's Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) department, helps secure and manage funding from U.S. government agencies to advance WWF's global conservation and sustainable development mission. The intern will support WWF's fundraising efforts by conducting research on federal agencies, funding programs, and emerging opportunities across the U.S. government landscape. This role will provide hands-on experience in identifying USG opportunities, pipeline, and proposal development across WWF’s priorities, including: wildlife trafficking, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, fisheries and oceans, freshwater conservation, community-based conservation, and international development. Please Note: The PGA team follows the WWF-HQ hybrid schedule, and interns are expected to come into the WWF HQ DC office two days a week. Responsibilities: Monitor U.S. government websites, newsletters, grants databases, and agency communications to identify relevant funding opportunities for WWF. Conduct research and analysis on federal agency priorities, programs, budgets, strategic plans, and policy developments to inform opportunity assessments and proposal strategy. Support proposal development efforts through background research, document preparation, coordination of team inputs, and tracking of proposal deadlines and milestones. Assist with pipeline management by researching and tracking funding opportunities and maintaining opportunity records and related databases. Develop agency and program profiles for key federal funders, including USDA, NOAA, USAID, the U.S. Department of State, and other relevant agencies. Conduct research and prepare brief summaries on technical and thematic topics relevant to WWF's conservation and development programs, including climate, food systems, freshwater, fisheries, wildlife conservation, and international development. Monitor and summarize webinars, agency briefings, Congressional hearings, and other events relevant to federal funding programs and government priorities. Assist in stakeholder mapping and organizational research to support strategic engagement with federal agencies, partners, and implementing organizations. Current undergraduate or graduate student: Must be an actively enrolled student and not have received a degree at the time of the internship start date (January 2027). Interest in conservation and/or 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 verbal communication skills. 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 and attention to detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with data management or CRM systems is a plus. 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.&#x