BR-2518 Agricultural Climate Standards Harmonization Undergraduate Intern

The World Wildlife Fund is seeking an Agricultural Climate Standards Harmonization Undergraduate Intern for their summer internship program in Washington, DC. The role involves co-designing a quantitative review of frameworks for GHG accounting in agricultural imports, assessing discrepancies, and summarizing findings. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in relevant fields and possess quantitative analysis skills. The internship aims to engage students new to conservation careers.
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

Climate change is a critical issue for humanity and for wildlife. The global food system is responsible for 21-37% of all emissions. Urgent action to reduce emissions from every food produced is required to meet our global climate goals. However, how we measure and account for emissions at different spatial scales and for different products often differs. This is particularly problematic for importers of food from multiple geographies, like China, as inconsistencies in these frameworks may make it unclear which mitigation is most important or whether their suppliers and exporters are meeting their needs.

WWF’s Markets Institute has been leading an effort to quantitatively compare the frameworks and standards used for key agricultural imports for China, highlighting where there is agreement or disagreement. This intern would work collaboratively to explore these accounting standards and the implications of their findings.

Responsibilities

Internship Description

Co-design scope of quantitative review, including products & frameworks to study; review frameworks, standards, and models pertaining to GHG accounting for imported products; assess discrepancies and similarities from reviewed materials and summarize findings.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:
• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in economics, food systems, agriculture, data science, ecology, or other quantitative field. 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).
• Quantitative and/or data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with reading scientific papers.
• 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:
• Coding skills (python or other language), fluency in Mandarin or Portuguese, familiarity with climate change or agriculture concepts.

Learning Outcomes
• Data analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data
• Climate change science & accounting
• Written & oral communication tailored for different stakeholders
• Collaboration with professionals with different skillsets and perspectives

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:

This position is flexible on location. The intern may complete the internship either in Washington DC or other states, with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid - $20.50 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.