The Graduate Trainee – Community Outreach & Volunteerism supports the planning, coordination and delivery of community engagement, volunteer management, citizen science programmes, environmental education initiatives and outreach activities that contribute to Emirates Nature–WWF's conservation objectives.

Working alongside experienced conservation and outreach professionals, the Graduate Trainee will contribute to the successful implementation of volunteer programmes, school engagement initiatives, field surveys, biodiversity monitoring, public events and educational resources while gaining practical experience across community engagement, programme delivery and conservation communications.

The role provides exposure to project coordination, stakeholder engagement, volunteer management, field operations, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and community mobilisation. The successful candidate will be expected to build positive relationships with volunteers, schools, partners and community members while supporting the delivery of high-quality, science-based conservation programmes that inspire meaningful environmental action.

Emirates Nature (EN) is a UAE environmental charity and non-governmental organization, established under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

EN works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. EN-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001 and has successfully initiated and implemented several conservation and education projects and initiatives in the region.

EN-WWF works federally and in the region with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and is governed by a local board of directors.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities within the UAE and our stakeholders. 

The organization is functional by a Ministerial Decree as a ‘society’ institutionalized by the Ministry of Community Development, a federal governmental entity that resides within the UAE. In as such, this organization’s operational laws and workings coincides with that as a governmental institution that falls within any Abu Dhabi Government’s entities. 

Community Outreach & Volunteer Engagement
•    Support the implementation of Emirates Nature–WWF's vision for transformative community engagement that drives measurable conservation impact.
•    Support the successful delivery of volunteer programmes, citizen science initiatives, community events and outreach activities in accordance with approved activity plans and citizen science protocols.
•    Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement, recognition and community-building initiatives.
•    Respond to volunteer and community enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
•    Coordinate and support community leaders, volunteers and freelancers during programme implementation.
•    Effectively train, mentor and support volunteers participating in outreach activities and citizen science initiatives.

School Outreach & Environmental Education
•    Support the planning and delivery of school outreach programmes, educational visits and environmental awareness activities.
•    Coordinate school communications, trip bookings and participation logistics.
•    Support the development and delivery of educational materials and biodiversity resources suitable for different audiences, particularly young people.

Field Activities & Citizen Science
•    Participate in scientific surveys, biodiversity monitoring and conservation fieldwork while ensuring adherence to approved methodologies and data collection protocols.
•    Support fieldwork planning, logistics, permit applications and operational coordination.
•    Ensure accurate collection, management and reporting of citizen science and biodiversity monitoring data.
•    Contribute to the development of biodiversity guidebooks, educational resources and conservation products.

Programme Coordination & Administration
•    Provide administrative support for outreach programmes, volunteer initiatives and conservation projects.
•    Coordinate event logistics, documentation and operational planning.
•    Maintain programme records, volunteer databases and supporting documentation.
•    Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities, impact reporting and programme performance tracking.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
•    Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop content promoting outreach activities, volunteer programmes and citizen science initiatives.
•    Provide photographs, impact stories and supporting material for communications, reporting and social media.
•    Build and maintain positive working relationships with schools, volunteers, community groups, strategic partners and other stakeholders.
•    Represent Emirates Nature–WWF professionally at outreach activities, volunteer events and community engagements when required.

Health, Safety & Compliance
•    Ensure all outreach activities and field programmes comply with organisational Health & Safety policies, procedures and risk management requirements.
•    Support the implementation of appropriate safeguarding, operational and risk management measures throughout programme delivery.

Experience:
•    Previous internship, volunteering or practical experience in environmental conservation, sustainability, community engagement or education is advantageous.
•    Experience supporting events, citizen science programmes, field activities, volunteer management or customer service is desirable.
•    Demonstrated interest in UAE biodiversity, environmental conservation and community engagement.
•    Experience working with data collection or environmental monitoring is an advantage.

Education:
•    Bachelor's or postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Sustainability, Conservation, Environmental Education or another relevant discipline.
•    Fluency in English is essential.

Skills:

•    Ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms 
•    Ability to think strategically and creatively, generating innovative ways to drive nature conservation.
•    Highly organised with excellent time management skills and ability to perform under pressure.
•    Ability to influence and persuade others.  
•    Energetic, creative, and confident public speaker. 
•    Proven stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
•    Demonstrable ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams.
•    Adaptable and resourceful 
•    Produce high quality products/services with attention to detail. 
•    Supportive, constructive, and open to influence when dealing with others
•    Friendly, open, and sensitive to the satisfaction of others.

Emirates Nature–WWF Focus:
Acts as a committed member of Emirates Nature–WWF, prioritising organisational conservation outcomes above individual objectives and ensuring alignment across programme activities

External Orientation:
Maintains awareness of environmental trends, technological developments, and stakeholder expectations to ensure programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Delivering Quality Outcomes:
Plans effectively and delivers high-quality technical outputs aligned with programme objectives, KPIs, and timelines.

Building Working Relationships:
Develops strong collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.

Communicating Effectively:
Communicates complex technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.

Leading Change:
Supports innovation and adaptive programme management through the integration of scientific evidence and operational learning.

Managing Resources:
Ensures responsible and efficient use of financial, technical, and operational resources.

At Emirates Nature–WWF, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace where people can thrive both professionally and personally. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment built on respect, collaboration, and equal opportunity.

We are proud to be recognised as a Parent-Friendly Plus Employer, an accreditation endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and awarded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in recognition of our commitment to family-friendly workplace practices and employee wellbeing.

Our employees are encouraged to contribute beyond the scope of their individual roles. As a collaborative organisation, all staff are expected to actively participate in organisational initiatives, events, and cross-functional activities that support Emirates Nature–WWF's mission, values, and strategic objectives, regardless of whether such activities fall directly within their primary job responsibilities.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application: Graduate Trainee – Community Outreach & Volunteerism’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on [email protected] before 11^th September 2026.
Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.