Conservation Mapping
2012 WWF Social Science Internships 1-14
The following social science internships are available at World Wildlife Fund in Washington, DC. They are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester).
Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are typically unpaid unless otherwise noted, but facilities, library resources, and computers at WWF headquarters are available. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.
In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person.
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with “INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line.
1. Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) in North America (see other posting for info)
2. Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean
3. Local Climate Action Assessment Intern
4. Moabi Intern
5. Climate Change & Constituency Building Intern
6. Associated Infrastructure Project Intern
7. Science-Policy Intern – Integrating ecosystem services into decision-making
8. Conservation Science Network internship
9. Fuller Science for Nature internship
10. Water and climate change adaptation intern
11. Linking Human Welfare and Conservation in Coastal East Africa
12. CSP Communications Intern
13. Reef conservation and governance database intern
14. Linking Birding to Birds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Moabi Intern
The WWF Conservation Science Program seeks a GIS intern to support the implementation and development of Moabi, a collaborative online platform for mapping infrastructure and extractives projects, or drivers of deforestation.
Infrastructure has been identified as one of the major drivers of deforestation and conservation threats. The scale and range of infrastructure projects - including dams, roads, transmission lines and pipelines - presents a serious challenge to the long term conservation and sustainable development of many of the regions in which WWF currently works. Understanding of development planning is also key to setting scenarios for REDD. The Macroeconomic Program Office and Conservation Science Program have launched a new website, Moabi RDC, that applies cutting edge technology to change the way in which information about planned infrastructure is gathered and coordinated. Moabi is a new powerful online tool for tracking information spatially. By combining principles of social networking with spatial mapping, Moabi will build a consortium of users to continually update and share spatial information on new projects proposed by various companies, banks, and governments. The result will be a constantly updated map of projects ranging from new roads, hydroelectric dams as well as forest, mining, and agricultural concessions. Relevant information will be provided such as the name of the primary company and investor involved, along with links to websites with more detailed information. (Click to see a video of Moabi)
Responsibilities:
We are looking for an intern to prepare and populate spatial data onto the mapping application as well as ensure the smooth functioning of the website through administration, updating and liaising with users and other administrators. The successful applicant will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Research and obtain data relevant for Moabi
2. Preparing and uploading acquired spatial data
3. Administer and update the site through our Content Management System
4. Moderate forums and communicate with users
5. Liaise with other site administrators to coordinate the timeliness of the site’s quality control process
6. Coordinate and liaise WWF offices, other NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector
7. Write content (blogs, articles, newsletters) that will go on the website or social media sites
8. Aid in researching technical tools
9. Other duties as assigned
Requirements and Qualifications:
Enrollment or degree from a postgraduate program in natural resources management, GIS, environmental science, conservation biology or related field
Proficient in ArcGIS 9.x or 10.x
Strong communication and writing skills
Knowledge of website and forum administration and moderation
Familiarity with social networking sites
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
A passion for conservation
Desirable skills and qualifications:
Experience administering or running a website or blog
Knowledge of programming or databases
Experience or understanding of conservation or development issues in Africa, particularly the Congo Basin
Proficiency in French highly desired
Stipend: The intern will be paid between $12-18 per hour.
Employment period: The internship with be for a fixed period of three months
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2012
Contact: Charles Huang, charles.huang@wwfus.org