Private Sector Finance Graduate 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 – with one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.    

At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine 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 is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway. 

Position Summary 

The Private Sector Finance Intern will be a key member of a small team within WWF’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) team focused on engaging with the US private finance sector. The Intern will support the Private Sector Finance team in further building out the team’s approach to engaging with private financial institutions in support of WWF’s conservation mission. This will include working on projects such as: conducting a landscape assessment of financial mechanisms, e.g., corporate sustainability-linked loans and bonds; collaborating with programmatic colleagues interested in engaging with and developing offerings for the private finance sector; supporting work with other PSE and Influence teams (e.g. Development, US Government Relations) to identify and research opportunities and prospects; and helping coordinate engagements with existing and prospective partners. Specific projects can be discussed depending on the candidate’s skills and interests. 

Responsibilities

Internship Description:

• Conduct desk research and analysis on major financial institutions’ evolving commitments to sustainability, particularly in areas of interests to WWF’s conservation mission, and identify potential opportunities for engagement. 
• Conduct a landscape analysis of current and recent corporate sustainability-linked bonds and loans to catalog a database of sustainability outcomes, key institutions involved, and financial models and terms. 
• Analyze trends and opportunities for WWF's consideration in corporate sustainability-linked loans and bonds to mobilize more private finance for WWF's conservation work. 
• Conduct research on established and emerging financing models for landscape-scale conservation and nature-based solutions. 
• Update project management systems to track ongoing projects and partnerships. 
• Gather and set up a knowledge management catalog for existing position papers, tools, and other relevant resources to advise our engagement strategy with the sector. 
• Support due diligence and agreement review process for partnerships with partners from the finance sector. 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing a graduate program in Business, Policy, or Public Administration. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 16, 2025). 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. 
• Professional experience or coursework in business, finance, economics, and/or corporate sustainability. 
• Working knowledge and interest for learning and following the evolving space of corporate sustainability. 
• Strong research and analytical skills. 
• Strong organizational and communications skills, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to work both independently and manage complex projects. 
• 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:  

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required: 
• Experience with database and/or other business information technology preferred. 
• Strong understanding of corporate sustainability frameworks (bonus: particularly those at the intersection of financial sector). 

Learning Outcomes 

• Gain experience working in a global conservation organization 
• Better understand the intersection of private finance sector and sustainability 
• Hone ability to distill large amount of research into succinct deliverables 
• Develop work experience, communication, interpersonal and other critical skills necessary for job success 

WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team. 

Location: 

US-DC-Washington  

OR 

US-SF-San Francisco  

**This is a hybrid position that requires the intern to be in the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office or the WWF San Francisco, CA Office a minimum of 2 days per week.** 

Compensation: 

Paid - $22.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week) 

Internship Dates: 

Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe: 

• Your relevant skills and interest for this position 
• Your connection to nature and the environment  
• What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation? 
• How you could contribute to the field of conservation. 

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

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.