ESIAs for Conservation

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) play an important role in identifying and managing the potential environmental and social impacts of proposed activities and developments. As part of these processes, private-sector resources may be allocated to measures aimed at avoiding, mitigating, restoring and monitoring impacts on nature and people.

WWF-NL is starting an exploratory phase to better understand how private-sector resources are currently used for nature conservation in the context of ESIAs, and whether their contribution to conservation outcomes could be strengthened. The exploration will consider existing practices, experiences and initiatives, as well as the stakeholders involved and the conditions, safeguards and potential limitations that need to be taken into account. 

What will you be doing?

The intern will work closely with the project lead and support this exploratory phase through research, analysis, interviews and the clear communication of findings. The assignment is intended to strengthen the evidence base, identify relevant insights and options, and support WWF-NL in determining whether and how the topic could be taken forward. 

• Conduct a literature review on relevant existing mechanisms, approaches, experience and emerging practice. 

• Stakeholder mapping. 

• Support and conduct interviews. 

• Identify potential and key opportunities for WWF-NL.

• Analyse findings and develop practical recommendations for possible next steps. 

• Prepare concise reports and other written outputs.

• Support the development of presentations, infographics and other visual materials for internal use, as well as other general support needed during the exploratory phase.

Who are we looking for?

WWF is looking for an analytically strong intern who is motivated by nature conservation and interested in the interface between environmental governance, business and finance. 

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme, such as environmental sciences, conservation, sustainable finance, economics, public policy, international development or a related field. 

• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and distinguish evidence, assumptions and data gaps. 

• Affinity with biodiversity conservation, private-sector engagement, conservation finance and/or environmental governance. 

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Comfortable working in an international, multidisciplinary environment.

• Proactive, organized and detail-oriented, with sound judgement on integrity and reputational considerations. 

• Experience with qualitative research and/or stakeholder mapping is an advantage.
  
  

What do we offer?

• An internship from January/February 3-5 days per week, with at least one day in the Dutch WWF-office.

• €550 allowance per month, based on fulltime work.

• An office surrounded by nature in Zeist.
  
  

Interested?

Please send your CV and motivation letter before 22^nd of November 2026 to: Anouk van Stokkom, astokkom@wwf.nl and  Natascha Zwaal – nzwaal@wwf.nl