Land Management Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

About the Program:

The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P) is an intergovernmental group of more than 120 countries - co-chaired by Nigeria and France, with the United Kingdom as Ocean Champion - championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of protecting at least 30 percent of the world's land and ocean area by 2030. The 30x30 target is a global target which aims to halt the accelerating loss of species and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security.

This is a hybrid position which requires 4 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. As the intern on political mobilization, you will be supporting Jason Dozier, Senior Program Officer for Political Mobilization (and Maggie Brunet, the Rapid Deployment Mechanism's manager). You will be supporting HAC for N&P countries in increasing their political engagement in favor of protecting 30% of our planet's land and ocean through supporting bilateral engagements between the HAC for N&P and its members especially the International Steering Committee with the development of the yearly workplan, high-level events organization and tracking both HAC for N&P engagements and country progress on 30x30. You will report to Jason Dozier, Senior Program Officer on Political Mobilization.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

• You will support the follow-up of the Rapid Deployment Mechanism (RDM) 2025 and 2026 grantees, including but not limited to monitoring of grant activities, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

• You will support the HAC for N&P political mobilization strategy by engaging with HAC for N&P members especially the International Steering Committee and the 30x30 Ambassadors Network.

• You will support the HAC for N&P's engagements at the following events: 28th session of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and CBD COP17.

• You will support the team in organizing and systematizing information on HAC for N&P members' progress on 30x30 and overall engagement with the Coalition.

• Concrete products you will be delivering are: bilateral engagement talking points as needed, the organization of high-level events at UNGA and COP CBD COP17 and an updated tracking tool focusing on 30x30 progress of HAC for N&P members and the update of the 30x30 partners mapping.

What you will need:

• Bachelor's degree ininternational relations, diplomacy, biodiversity conservation, environmental studies, projectmanagementora relateddiscipline.

• Must have strong knowledge of the United Nations multilateral system including the CBD and UNFCCC, as well as the biodiversity ecosystem including relevant NGOs, financial institutions, etc.

• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, and with people from various countries and backgrounds.

• Effective time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and multitask.

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Suite and SharePoint.

• Proficiencyinadditionallanguages is an asset.

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hourfor undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length of Contract:

This is a part-time (20 hours/week), 6-month internship with a flexible start and end date.

Location:

• This is a hybrid internship that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.

• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 4 days per month.

How to Apply:
Please submit a resume with a cover letter by August 18, 2026. Applicants mustapply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, and other candidates who wish to gain knowledge about a specific area of our work. We strive to attract diverse, intellectually driven candidates who have a passion for sustainability and development. WRI provides many internship opportunities throughout the year in all our programs.

WRI is committed to advancing gender, racial, and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

Our mission and values:

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities inemployment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People team carefully reviews all applications.

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