Company Description

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

Job Description

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Seascape Corporate Footprint Analysis Intern.

Position Summary

The intern will work with the WWF-US Ocean Markets and Finance (OMF) team to conduct market research and geospatial analysis to explore the locations of corporate assets and  business operations for companies operating in key ocean sectors (marine transportation, marine renewable energy, and coastal tourism) with potential to impact ocean health in priority seascapes and marine conservation areas. The project will support WWF’s overarching efforts to work with businesses that operate in the ocean economy to transform their operations, avoiding and reducing negative environmental and social impacts and making credible science-based contributions towards the global goal of Nature Positive. The project will help WWF gain a better understanding of major companies operating in these priority seascapes, where their business operations touch down in coastal and ocean areas, and inform strategies to transform business operations in ways that help protect biodiversity and align with more nature positive outcomes for the ocean.

Responsibilities:

Working collaboratively with OMF team experts, develop:

• An overall research plan and approach for the market research and spatial analysis in priority seascape areas and countries, including building out a timeline with milestones and deliverables, and incorporating previous corporate mapping research (to be provided by WWF) from WWF interns and staff.
• A target list of priority companies and financial institutions for each sector, incorporating pre-existing OMF research, previous mapping efforts, and financial flows between these corporate actors and global or regional financial institutions.
• A list of company attributes to research, for example, but not limited to, type of business, geographic locations, major clients, and/or sector-specific attributes like ports of call, shipping routes, etc.
• Identify, recommend, and deploy a set of software tools to conduct research, collect, compile, and analyze data, and visualize results (Excel, Word, Tableau / Microsoft BI, GIS files, etc.) Conduct online research using the above organized approach, compiling qualitative and quantitative data on companies operating in target geographies. Utilize online market data resources to conduct deeper dive research on select companies as needed, using tools such as onsite licensed Bloomberg Terminal, WWF’s SIGHT platform, or other business information resources available. Conduct spatial analysis of company geographic locations and potential intersections or overlap with key priority conservation areas such as marine protected areas (MPAs), key biodiversity areas (KBAs), blue corridors, etc. Create maps using ESRI ArcGIS or other tools as needed to show overlay between business operations and key areas of conservation interest. Create a final report including recommendations for further research and key companies to engage and develop a PowerPoint presentation on the results of the project. Present the results of the Project to the OMF and broader Oceans team including recommendations.

Qualifications

• Only enrolled students are eligible for this internship as you must be able to receive academic credit from your current academic institution. Able to work either part time or full time, depending on class schedule and availability.
• Fluency in the Microsoft Office Suite of programs, including Excel Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research Interest in Environmental Policy
• At least a basic level of skill and knowledge in using common geographic information systems (GIS) software applications such as ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS, etc. and working with spatial data files to conduct spatial analysis and create presentation-ready maps.
• Experience compiling, analyzing, and working with large data sets. Existing background or experience conducting global and/or regional market or business research, supply chain analysis, company operational analysis.
• Degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to business administration, supply chain science, sustainable business, finance, environmental policy, marine biology, etc.
• Passion for and interest in ocean conservation, sustainable business, and/or sustainable finance.

Learning Outcomes:

Experience in conducting technical market research, business and strategic analyses, and spatial analyses Expanded knowledge leading blue economy sector companies, how companies conduct their business operations over defined spatial ocean and coastal areas, and potential impacts on nature Experience in how to organize and present research results in a report and presentation to a wide range of audiences. Experience working with professionals and engaging in a professional environment Experience preparing for and conducting professional interviews

Duration: The internship will last approximately one year (July 2026 – May 2027). The intern will work approximately 15-20 hours per week.

Compensation: Unpaid. For all unpaid internships, applicants must be enrolled in school and be able to obtain academic course credit from their university. 

Additional Information

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. 

WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.