Environmental Governance Volunteer

This position is unpaid

• Initial 3 month contract to start as soon as possible
• London based, 2-3 days a week, 9/10am-5/6pm, but can be flexible
• Closing date for applications: 11 May 2012

Global Witness' Environmental Governance team is seeking a volunteer to support ArcGIS mapping work primarily for our forest sector transparency campaign. This campaign aims to improve forest sector policy and practice in selected forest-rich countries. Global Witness provides support for civil society groups in those countries so that they may make governments more responsive and accountable.

This role is a great opportunity for someone looking to build up knowledge of forest policy in developing countries and the tools needed by groups in those countries to advocate for change.

The position will involve:

• Mapping natural resource concessions in Liberia using provided data and ArcGIS software.
• Monitor news coverage of the forest sector in our seven target countries, to help track coverage of our work and issues important to us.
• Conducting desk-based research, in particular to keep our core forest statistics data up-to-date, as these form the basis of many of our statements.
• Contributing to the campaign’s overall strategy
• Undertake other short pieces of desk-based research, administrative and support tasks as the need arises.

The position would be primarily focused on two areas of work. First, inputting data into and finalising the design of maps showing forest, agriculture and mining concession locations in Liberia alongside forest cover and land use. Second, general support for the Making the Forest Sector Transparent programme, including daily tracking of media reports and other administrative tasks.

The position would be most suitable for university postgraduates with a background in geography, land and natural resources, law, international development, human rights, or forestry / forest economics. Applicants should be reliable and well-organised, with good computer and communication skills.Working knowledge of ArcGIS software is essential. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, other languages may be an advantage.

We would prefer a volunteer who make at least three months commitment of three days per week. We can reimburse public transport costs within London to the office and provide £5 per day in luncheon vouchers.

To apply, send a CV and letter of interest (including dates of availability) and a CV to cfussell@globalwitness.org. Please put “GIS Volunteer Application” as the subject of the email. 

CVs will not be accepted from recruitment agencies. We regret that we are not able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.