Wildlife crime internship (Spanish fluency required)
Position: IFAW wildlife crime intern
Location: Virtual/remote
Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through June 30, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Term: Approximately twelve weeks. Start date is flexible (will depend upon candidates’ academic/professional schedules).
Eligibility: Undergraduate; recent college graduate; advanced degree candidate/recipient.
Compensation: Internships are categorized as unpaid for purposes of Handshake posts, but the intern will receive a stipend (approximately equal to minimum hourly wage in Washington, DC) and/or may seek academic credit if available through their academic institutions. (Students should consult with academic faculty/staff to determine eligibility for academic 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 an interest in public policy and strong 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 crime internship for fall 2026 will begin in August, with a preferred commitment of at least ten weeks and 8+ hours per week.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates have an interest in wildlife crime 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. Candidate must be fluent in Spanish.
Additional qualifications (helpful but not required):
· A strong commitment to protecting wildlife and contributing to research on wildlife trafficking and related trends;
· Strong research and analytical skills related to wildlife trafficking-related language and impact, peer-reviewed scientific publications, media/communications, and/or 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;
· Availability to work remotely/virtually or in a hybrid setting (Washington, DC office) for 8+ hours per week during the internship term.
· Background (educational and/or professional) in natural sciences, environmental crime, or a related field; and
· Experience working with diverse stakeholders and partners.
At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, age, sex, citizenship or immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neurodivergence, disability status, family or marital status, or criminal history.
