IFAW Wildlife Policy and Management Internship - Fall 2021 (REMOTE/VIRTUAL)

Position: IFAW wildlife policy and management intern

Location: Virtual/remote

Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through August 11, 2021. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Term: Approximately twelve weeks with a possibility of extension. Start date is flexible (will depend upon academic schedule).

Eligibility: Undergraduate (2+ years completed); recent college graduate; advanced degree candidate/recipient.

Compensation: Internships are categorized as unpaid for purposes of Handshake posts, but students may receive a stipend to cover expenses relevant to the position and/or may seek academic credit if available through their academic institutions.

Students should consult with academic faculty to determine if this unpaid experience will earn credit.

About us: 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: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is seeking a wildlife policy and management intern with a strong academic record and commitment to wildlife conservation. This intern will support campaigns related to captive exotic animals, endangered species protection, wildlife coexistence, federal conservation funding, wildlife trade, online commerce, animals in entertainment, and/or other policy-focused efforts to safeguard animals.

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); monitoring news and events relevant to IFAW’s policy campaigns; drafting letters, fact sheets, reports, op-eds, sign-on letters, statements, member correspondence, social media content, reports 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 flexible. The wildlife policy and management internship for fall 2021 will begin in September, with a preferred commitment of at least ten weeks and 16+ hours per week. 

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have an interest in wildlife 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, organizing, science communication, and/or working at the interface of public policy and science.

Candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this internship:

·        A great attitude and strong commitment to protecting wildlife and advancing animal welfare policy/education (this is most important!);

·        Strong research and analytical skills related to policy language and impact; peer-reviewed scientific publications; media/communications; and related materials/information;

·        Strong written communication skills;

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

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

·        Completion of at least three years of undergraduate education; 

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

·        Availability to work remotely/virtually part-time (16+ hours per week) during the internship term.

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

·        Background (educational and/or professional) in natural sciences, public policy, law or a related field;

·        Knowledge of and experience with legislative processes and congressional outreach; and

·        Experience working with diverse stakeholders and partners.