Intern for Policy and Research (Part-Time)

Shark Conservation Fund Overview:

The Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) is a collaboration of philanthropists dedicated to restoring ocean health through sweeping shark and ray conservation. Our goal is to help maintain the vibrancy of the world’s oceans by halting the overexploitation of sharks and rays and to prevent extinctions through strategic, collaborative, and catalytic grantmaking. SCF takes a comprehensive approach by deploying the full policy cycle – research, regulation, and enforcement. Aimed at achieving systemic change of shark and ray management on a transformative scale, we leverage our strategy to achieve four main objectives:

·      Regulate Global Trade

·      Protect the Most Endangered Species

·      Combat Unsustainable Fishing

·      Expand Existing and Create New Marine Protected Areas (MPA) to Benefit Sharks and Rays

The Shark Conservation Fund is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Position Overview: The intern works closely with the Executive Director in support of SCF’s strategic goals. The intern will conduct research and write reports to assist SCF advance its four main policy objectives, assist in evaluating program and grantee effectiveness, and support organizational operations as needed.

Responsibilities:

·      Research and create reports and memos related to shark conservation policy, including fisheries management, regulating trade under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the establishment MPAs designed to protect sharks and rays for the Executive Director and Board of Advisors.

·      Evaluate grantee reports to determine the extent to which they have achieved their deliverables and prepare reports for the Executive Director and Board of Advisors.

·      Conduct research for use in evaluating SCF programs.

• Organize meetings and calls, develop background materials, and create a record of the main issues discussed and decisions made.

·      Draft and review social media posts in collaboration with SCF’s communications contractor.

·      Other duties as needed.

Requirements:

·      Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental policy, or related field required, training in marine biology or marine policy a plus.

·      Experience in developing environmental policy in the government or through advocacy (volunteer or paid) preferred.

·      Knowledge and interest in ocean conservation issues.

·      Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

·      Excellent attention to detail.

·      Ability to work effectively in a team.

·      Energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn.

·      Ability to work independently on discrete projects.