Intern, Southeast Asia Forest Team – Washington, D.C.

Organization: World Resources Institute
Job Title: Intern, POTICO, Southeast Asia Forest Team
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours and Compensation: Full time, Hourly wage commensurate with qualifications.
Position Dates: Summer 2012, with possibility of extension
Application Deadline: ?
Posted On: April 16, 2012

Organization Overview

The People & Ecosystems Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks a results-oriented individual with excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills for an intern position to support Project POTICO. Project POTICO is an innovative new strategy designed to break the link between oil palm expansion and Indonesia’s rapid deforestation, through the use of low-carbon degraded land. Under POTICO, WRI and local partner Sekala are implementing pilot land swaps on-the-ground in Indonesia that will result in the establishment of a certified sustainable oil palm plantation on degraded land and the sustainable management of an area of forest previously slated for conversion. In addition, the POTICO team is conducting various research and activities designed to take the degraded land use concept to scale.

A major new initiative of this project is an online web application designed to enable key stakeholders to make improved land use decisions precipitating sustainable palm oil. Building off WRI’s Interactive Atlases, this web tool will provide (1) easily accessible land use and land cover data (2) a mapping application for identifying high potential areas for sustainable oil palm plantation expansion and (3) a forest cover analysis tool to be used by members of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil or others to assess where forest cover change has occurred within oil palm concessions. Associated research includes analysis of relevant Indonesian laws and policies as well as RSPO rules and documents, the economics of certified palm oil production, and stakeholder mapping for targeted outreach.

Description
The intern will collaborate with the Southeast Asia Forest Team to contribute to the design and development of this online resource and produce relevant documentation and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop “how to” guidance and other related materials for the web mapping applications.
• Collaborate with Southeast Asia Forest Team to develop webstories and other online content relevant to the project.
• Liaise with WRI staff and web contractors to ensure quality product design.
• Support other activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate will have a Master degree in environmental economics, forestry, agriculture, environmental science, public policy or other relevant field. Highly qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply.
• Very strong writing skills and excellent academic performance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related online applications.
• Experience with online outreach, website development, and social media.
• Familiarity with or working experience on Southeast Asian forest issues.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research.
• Ability to understand read and write Bahasa Indonesia is a plus.
• Familiarity with Indonesian environmental law a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in agricultural supply chains and certification systems a plus.
• Ability to work well in a team, juggle multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines.

How to Apply

Please apply online at www.wri.org/careers.