Internship - Marine Mammal Campaign Intern - Summer 2020

Position: IFAW Marine Mammal Campaign Intern

Location: Washington, D.C.

Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through February 28, 2020. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Term: Approximately twelve weeks with a possibility of extension. Summer internships will begin in May or June, depending upon candidates' academic schedules.

Eligibility: Undergraduate (3+ years completed); recent college graduate (BS or BA); advanced degree candidates/recipients.

Compensation: Internships are categorized as unpaid, but interns may receive either academic credit or a stipend ($1,000/month for 40 hrs/week) to cover limited expenses related to the position, as well as public transportation costs.

About us: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was founded in 1969 and its driving mission is to save individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, whether dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or animals affected by natural disasters.

Internship overview: IFAW is seeking a marine mammal campaign intern with an exceptional academic record and a strong commitment to conservation. The marine mammal campaign intern will support campaigns related to right whale conservation, ocean noise mitigation, offshore energy development, marine conservation funding, fisheries management reform, and/or other efforts to safeguard marine species.

The successful candidate may be responsible for assignments including but not limited to: performing a variety of research tasks (including legal, political and scientific matters); analyzing complex data sets; monitoring news and events relevant to IFAW’s marine mammal projects; drafting letters, fact sheets, reports, op-eds, sign-on letters, statements, member correspondence, social media content and other informational materials; engaging in grassroots outreach; reviewing policy proposals; contacting and working with congressional staff and regulatory agencies; representing IFAW at coalition meetings, conference calls, hearings and other events; and otherwise supporting IFAW’s campaigns and mission. 

Schedule: Start and end dates for the internship are somewhat flexible. The marine mammal campaign internship for summer 2020 will begin in May or June, with a preferred commitment of at least ten weeks and 20-40 hours per week. 

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have an interest in marine policy and animal protection (though prior experience is not necessary), and a willingness to learn about how they can make a difference for animals through education, outreach and policy. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in conservation, government relations, and working at the interface of public policy and science.

Candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the marine mammal campaign internship:

·        Completion of at least three years of undergraduate education in a relevant field (preference may be given to those who are pursuing or have earned advanced degrees); 

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

·        Strong research and analytical skills;

·        Ability to work independently as well as in a team;

·        Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and shifting priorities;

·        Background (educational and/or professional) in natural sciences such as biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field;

·        Familiarity and experience with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint;

·      Availability to work in IFAW’s Washington, D.C. office part-time (20+ hours per week) during the internship term; and

·        Interest in and/or experience with applied science.

In addition to the requirements listed above, ideal candidates will have the following qualifications (preferred but not mandatory):

·        Experience with or interest in writing/contributing to reports addressing scientific and political matters affecting marine mammals;

·        Knowledge of and experience with marine mammal policy and advocacy;

·        Ability to analyze and synthesize large data sets;

·        Familiarity with federal environmental laws that protect marine mammals, such as the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.