Policy and Government Affairs - Spring 2027 Intern

World Wildlife Fund, Inc. • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is seeking a U.S. Government Partnerships intern within its Policy and Government Affairs department for Spring 2027. The U.S. Government Partnerships team helps secure and manage funding from U.S. government agencies to advance WWF’s global conservation and sustainable development mission. The intern will support fundraising by researching federal agencies, funding programs, and emerging opportunities across the U.S. government, and will gain hands-on experience identifying opportunities, managing the pipeline, and supporting proposal development across WWF priorities such as wildlife trafficking, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, fisheries and oceans, freshwater conservation, community-based conservation, and international development.

This is a hybrid internship based in Washington, D.C. Interns are expected to work from WWF’s DC office two days per week. Applicants must be enrolled students who can receive academic credit from their current institution, and must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. The internship is unpaid. Applicants must include a cover letter stating their enrollment status, weekly availability, Spring 2027 location, and availability to work from the DC office.

Requirements

• Must be an actively enrolled undergraduate or graduate student and must not have received a degree by the internship start date in January 2027.
• Must be able to receive academic credit from the current academic institution.
• Interest in conservation and/or international development issues; concentration in International Relations, Public Policy, American Government, or Political Science is relevant, though applicants studying other areas are encouraged to apply.
• Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration, particularly USDA, NOAA, and the U.S. State Department, and nongovernmental organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills for developing working relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
• Must be available to work from the WWF-US Washington, D.C. office two days per week.
• Must include a cover letter indicating enrollment, weekly availability, Spring 2027 location, and availability to work from the DC office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data management or CRM systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor U.S. government websites, newsletters, grants databases, and agency communications to identify relevant funding opportunities for WWF.
• Research federal agency priorities, programs, budgets, strategic plans, and policy developments to inform opportunity assessments and proposal strategy.
• Support proposal development through background research, document preparation, coordination of team inputs, and tracking deadlines and milestones.
• Research and track funding opportunities, maintain opportunity records, and support pipeline management 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.
• Research and prepare brief summaries on technical and thematic topics relevant to WWF 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.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and organizational research to support strategic engagement with federal agencies, partners, and implementing organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed