Policy and Government Affairs Intern

Job Description

Policy and Government Affairs Undergraduate Internship | World Wildlife Fund

The Tone:
This is an undergraduate internship at World Wildlife Fund, likely located in Washington, DC. WWF is a global conservation organization working in over 100 countries to help people and nature thrive by protecting wildlife, conserving vital habitats, and advancing sustainable solutions. This role is crucial for supporting the Policy and Government Affairs team’s research, analysis, and outreach efforts on critical environmental issues. The intern will contribute directly to WWF’s mission through engagement with government agencies and Capitol Hill.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time or Full-time
• Location: In-person, Washington, DC

• Team: Works with the Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) staff.
• Mission: Supports Policy and Government Affairs staff by conducting research, analysis, and outreach on various conservation and sustainable development issues related to WWF’s mission.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research and analyze legislation, regulations, and potentially court cases related to WWF’s mission.
• Assess government agencies’ roles, policies, and positions on issues such as biodiversity, natural resource management, climate change, and plastics.
• Track legislative developments and conduct in-depth research on topics including food and water security, foreign assistance, and species/wildlife trafficking.
• Attend Congressional hearings, markups, administration briefings, and NGO coalition meetings.
• Support outreach efforts to Capitol Hill and the Administration on legislation and rulemaking.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Actively enrolled student pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program, able to receive academic credit, and not yet received degree by September 7, 2026. Relevant fields include conservation, sustainable development, Public Policy, Political Science, US Government, or International Relations.
• Experience: Willingness and interest to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration (U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture), and non-governmental organizations.
• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communications skills, ability to work collaboratively and independently, strong interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Bonus: Subject expertise in areas like food and water security or marine and fisheries issues, and knowledge of US Government structure and procedures.