US Forestry Mapping Internship
US Forestry Mapping Internship
Tracking Code
217531-927
Job Description
INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: Dili, Timor-Leste
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: Summer 2011
LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: 10-12 weeks
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Mercy Corps has just been awarded a renewable energy program in Timor-Leste with three major components: 1) A market based approach to solar technologies and fuel efficient stoves; 2) A reforestation and forest management initiative; 3) Supporting the Timor-Leste government with policy development on renewable energy technologies. This internship will primarily focus on the second component of the program. In order to ensure we can implement a successful and sustainable reforestation program we need to gather specific data on existing forest resources in each community and map potential areas for reforestation both on communal and privately owned land in 15 communities.
OBJECTIVES: The Intern will carry out a survey of existing forest resources including area of forest, how those have changed over time in 15 communities, tree varieties and also map out potential areas for reforestation activities using GIS. The mapping will have to take account of multiple factors including land ownership, current use, topography and access. The purpose is to identify areas that are acceptable by the community for reforestation, that are not currently used for food production, that take into account disaster risk reduction and specifically slope management, and that facilitate easy access for communities to gather firewood. The types of reforestation work envisaged include planting of communal land and also planting on private land for slope stabilization and green fencing.
DELIVERABLES:
- A survey tool to collect the necessary data.
- A report and detailed maps of the 15 communities detailing historical forest data reflecting both anecdotal data and available, historical, satellite imagery, current forest resources and proposing suitable areas for reforestation.
- Guidelines for reforestation work in Timor-Leste
- A recommendation of tree species and varieties that could be used in the proposed areas (taking into account planned use, topography and indigenous species available)
- A workshop for Mercy Corps and local partner staff detailing the process and results of the survey
IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate study in natural resource management, forestry, or related field OR work experience.
- Experience with mapping and using GIS tools
- Experience conducting research and analysis both in qualitative or quantitative data.
- Must be able to collate and present information and write reports.
- Ability to communicate and develop good relationships with people from different backgrounds;
- Experience living and working in a developing country is an advantage.
- Flexibility and willingness to live and work in basic conditions in rural areas of the country.
- Able to travel throughout the project areas in three districts of Timor-Leste.
LIVING CONDITIONS: The intern will be based in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste but due to the nature of this project will be spending considerable amounts of time in rural areas of the country where overnight stays in basic conditions will be necessary. Timor-Leste is the newest country in Asia and one of the poorest, the country has a population of 1.1million. The security situation is good and stable although there is always a chance of sporadic localized outbreaks of violence. Dili has a population of 150,000 with most amenities available. There is a selection of supermarkets and restaurants. Healthcare is also available through privately run clinics and a national hospital. The city is well serviced by taxis and buses. The country is quite mountainous with poor infrastructure outside Dili and to get to many villages it is necessary to travel on rough roads, often combined with a few hours of walking. Living conditions in rural areas are generally comfortable but basic with limited electricity supply and very limited amenities.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
DATES OF INTERNSHIP: Summer 2011
LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: 10-12 weeks
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP:
Mercy Corps responsibilities
For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:
- Accommodation
- Local Business Travel
- ISOS Emergency Medical Evacuation
Intern responsibilities
Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:
- Living costs
- Flights and Transport
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Health Insurance
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Mercy Corps has just been awarded a renewable energy program in Timor-Leste with three major components: 1) A market based approach to solar technologies and fuel efficient stoves; 2) A reforestation and forest management initiative; 3) Supporting the Timor-Leste government with policy development on renewable energy technologies. This internship will primarily focus on the second component of the program. In order to ensure we can implement a successful and sustainable reforestation program we need to gather specific data on existing forest resources in each community and map potential areas for reforestation both on communal and privately owned land in 15 communities.
OBJECTIVES: The Intern will carry out a survey of existing forest resources including area of forest, how those have changed over time in 15 communities, tree varieties and also map out potential areas for reforestation activities using GIS. The mapping will have to take account of multiple factors including land ownership, current use, topography and access. The purpose is to identify areas that are acceptable by the community for reforestation, that are not currently used for food production, that take into account disaster risk reduction and specifically slope management, and that facilitate easy access for communities to gather firewood. The types of reforestation work envisaged include planting of communal land and also planting on private land for slope stabilization and green fencing.
DELIVERABLES:
- A survey tool to collect the necessary data.
- A report and detailed maps of the 15 communities detailing historical forest data reflecting both anecdotal data and available, historical, satellite imagery, current forest resources and proposing suitable areas for reforestation.
- Guidelines for reforestation work in Timor-Leste
- A recommendation of tree species and varieties that could be used in the proposed areas (taking into account planned use, topography and indigenous species available)
- A workshop for Mercy Corps and local partner staff detailing the process and results of the survey
IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate study in natural resource management, forestry, or related field OR work experience.
- Experience with mapping and using GIS tools
- Experience conducting research and analysis both in qualitative or quantitative data.
- Must be able to collate and present information and write reports.
- Ability to communicate and develop good relationships with people from different backgrounds;
- Experience living and working in a developing country is an advantage.
- Flexibility and willingness to live and work in basic conditions in rural areas of the country.
- Able to travel throughout the project areas in three districts of Timor-Leste.
LIVING CONDITIONS: The intern will be based in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste but due to the nature of this project will be spending considerable amounts of time in rural areas of the country where overnight stays in basic conditions will be necessary. Timor-Leste is the newest country in Asia and one of the poorest, the country has a population of 1.1million. The security situation is good and stable although there is always a chance of sporadic localized outbreaks of violence. Dili has a population of 150,000 with most amenities available. There is a selection of supermarkets and restaurants. Healthcare is also available through privately run clinics and a national hospital. The city is well serviced by taxis and buses. The country is quite mountainous with poor infrastructure outside Dili and to get to many villages it is necessary to travel on rough roads, often combined with a few hours of walking. Living conditions in rural areas are generally comfortable but basic with limited electricity supply and very limited amenities.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Job Location
Dili, To Be Determined
Position Type
Intern
0 Response to "US Forestry Mapping Internship"
Post a Comment