Plastics Policy and Government Affairs Spring 2027 Undergraduate Intern

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks an Undergraduate Plastics Policy and Government Affairs Undergraduate Spring 2027 Intern. The Policy and Government Affairs department of the World Wildlife Fund is seeking part-time to full-time interns for policy research, analysis, and outreach. Given the diversity of issues that the Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) staff covers, research and analysis may entail working with legislation, regulations, and potentially court cases. By contrast, research, analysis, and support may include assessment of government agencies' roles, policies, and positions on issues relating to WWF's mission, or writing of brief materials about U.S. government agencies.

Outreach may entail covering congressional hearings and markups, and preparing and attending congressional, administration, and/or NGO coalition briefings. Subject matter will cover issues in which WWF is involved, particularly plastics policy, and may support other topics as needed.

Internship Description:

• Research, writing & analysis on various topics, primarily focused on plastics and recycling policy.

• Legislative tracking and research at both the Federal and state levels.

• Attend Congressional/state legislative hearings and briefings (either in-person or virtually), as well as NGO coalition and other external meetings, as deemed necessary.

• Outreach to Capitol Hill and the Administration on legislation and rulemaking.

Minimum Requirements:

Only enrolled students are eligible for this internship as you must be able to receive academic credit from your current academic institution. Able to work either part time or full time, depending on class schedule and availability. Please note: This internship is for Spring 2027.

Desired Skills and Qualities: 

• Undergraduate student: Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (January 2027).

• Interest in domestic U.S. conservation policy matters, and with degree studies in relevant areas, such as the physical and life sciences, Public Policy, American Government, or Political Science. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply.

• Interest and willingness to learn about both Federal and state-level policymaking processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communications 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.

• Attention to detail.

• 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.

  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Cover Letter:

Applicants who wish to be considered for this role must include a cover letter as part of their application. In your cover letter, please indicate the number of hours per week you will be available for this internship, your location for the Spring 2027 semester, and the number of hours you will be able to work from WWF’s DC Office. This is a hybrid internship based in Washington, DC.

Compensation:

Unpaid. For all unpaid internships, applicants must be enrolled in school and be able to obtain academic course credit from their university.

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.

WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.