Vacancy #: 7357 Unit: Forest and Grasslands Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: North America Regional Office, Washington D.C., United States of America Only candidates based in the US will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates based in Washington DC. Reporting to: Head Forest and Grassland Team Work percentage: 100% Grade: I Expected start date: 15 August 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (5 months) Closing date: 20 August 2025 BACKGROUND IUCN is the worldโs oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCNโs work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.
The Forest and Grasslands Team (FGT) at IUCN is responsible for developing and executing the global conservation program for forests and grasslands. This includes efforts in primary forest and native grassland conservation, ecosystem restoration on both area-based and landscape scales, and effective rangeland and drought reduction management. The Team focuses on addressing threats such as climate change and large-scale deforestation by advocating and implementing practical solutions supported by scientific knowledge.
FGT is looking to hire an Intern to support visibility, engagement, and stakeholder relations across the Forest and Grasslands Team and its portfolio of projects. The role will primarily involve contributing to the development of high-quality visibility materials, coordinating events and stakeholder engagements, and driving project-specific visibility and positioning objectives in line with FGTโs strategy. The incumbent will play a key role in the lead-up to and during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 and UNFCCC COP30, helping ensure that FGTโs work is prominently represented to key audiences.
The Intern will assist in designing and implementing FGTโs stakeholder relations and visibility approach, producing content and knowledge products that elevate the Teamโs work, and supporting the Programme Associate and other staff in delivering select project outputs focused on partner engagement and profile-building. This role also includes working closely with governments, IUCN Members, Commissions, and other partners to demonstrate the impact-driven nature of FGTโs work, helping to reinforce IUCNโs leadership and value proposition to donors and investors.
The internship will be full-time, based out of the IUCN North America Regional Office, and run until December 31, 2025. The Intern will have the option to work remotely, but preference will be given to qualified candidates based in Washington D.C. who can be present in-person at minimum 50% of the time. JOB DESCRIPTION Under the direct supervision of the Programme Associate based in Washington DC, and as an integral part of the Forest and Grasslands Team (FGT), the Intern will play a key role in supporting the work of the Team. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of ecosystem restoration, climate action, and sustainable development, gaining first-hand experience in influential conservation action and policy-making initiatives.
In support of the project portfolio with a particular focus on contributing to communications and visibility support, the Intern shall undertake the following specific tasks:
โข Support the preparation and delivery of virtual and in-person events and webinars in coordination with internal and external partners.
โข Develop written and visual communications materials for internal and external audiences, including informational briefs, infographics, social media materials, and engaging presentations.
โข Perform research and writing tasks to support development of communications assets for FGT and its project portfolio.
โข Support strategic communications planning for FGT and its project portfolio.
โข Contribute to coordinating meetings and notetaking related to job duties.
โข Support other day-to-day operational and communications needs, in line with the FGT strategy and IUCN Programme of Work.
โข Any other duties agreed upon with the supervisor and/or Head of the FGT. REQUIREMENTS โข In addition to the application letter and resume, a writing sample is required. A graphic design sample is a plus.
โข Only candidates based in the US will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates based in Washington DC.
โข Currently enrolled as a student pursuing at least a bachelorโs degree (Masters and PhD candidates welcome) or a recent graduate (degree obtained within the past 12 months).
โข Studying or holding a degree in fields related to communications, journalism, natural resources management, forestry, conservation sciences, sustainability, environment policy or similar.
โข Passionate about IUCN's mission and keen interest in nature conservation and sustainable development.
โข Experience with science writing, such as for news articles, blogs, reports, or informational briefs, is required.
โข Experience with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software required.
โข Experience managing social media or webpages preferred.
โข Experience organizing in-person and/or virtual events and workshops preferred.
โข Experience with video production and editing, particularly for social media, is a plus.
โข Proven skills in organization, administration, research, and writing.
โข Independent multitasker with the ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
โข Excellent command of written and spoken English. French, Spanish, or other language knowledge is a plus.
โข Availability during standard business hours (9 AMโ5 PM, Mon-Fri) Eastern Time. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is between USD 18'000 and USD 18'000. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve peopleโs well-being.
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