Research and Operations Intern

Job Title:              Research and Operations Intern

Reporting to:      Research and Operations Manager

Responsible to: Managing Director

Location:              Frontier Office, London, UK

PRIMARY FUNCTION

To gain experience in the operation, administration and development of overseas conservation projects, providing assistance to the Research and Operations Managers and supporting the overseas operations team.

GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE ROLE

-              Communication with overseas projects, expeditions and country HQs

-              Recruitment, briefing and training of field staff

-              Sourcing, purchasing, and despatching equipment

-              Provide support to the Research & Development Manager

-              Organise data management and data review initiatives

-              Aid the development of research information and resources initiatives

-              Help to compile and edit science reports and newsletters

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

-              Ensure that all communications are recorded effectively

-              Assist with staff recruitment including sending invites to candidates and arranging interview sessions; and organising the information in a relevant way

-              Assist with ensuring staff have provided full information and documentation prior to departure overseas; and entering important information into the staff database, and submitting these to the relevant overseas headquarters

-              Assist in collating requests for equipment from staff and provide feedback

-              Assist with the packing and despatch of equipment to field projects

-              Monitor project activities through reporting systems

-              Updating the recruitment database and staff database

-              Assist in collating, checking, and filing quarterly reports

-              Assist with the preparation and supervision of all proposals that are submitted, working in collaboration with the Programme Managers (London HQ) and Project Co-ordinators, Research Coordinators and Country Co-ordinators overseas

-              Production of the quarterly newsletter regarding projects and publications

-              Preparation and distribution of reports and manuscripts

-              Update references database and file new references

-              Archive in-coming and current data sets

-              Assist with monitoring the Tropical Habitat Conservation Certificate assessing final project submissions and discerning the level of competence attained

-              Follow up requests for references and peer reviews

-              Utilisation of data for production of review materials with an aim of producing articles and manuscripts for publication

-              Assist with the Co-ordination of Country Co-ordinators and overseas development and fundraising activities

-              Develop relationships with relevant national and international bodies to further improve upon the work carried out by Frontier

-              Source new sponsorships for projects, including support of field staff to secure in-country sponsors and production of publicity materials for sponsors (with the Marketing Manager)

-              Submit weekly popular science articles for online publication

-              Assist with volunteer recruitment by attending careers fairs and giving presentations as required by the Events and Outreach Co-ordinator

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Contract Duration:           3-6 months, minimum of 4 days a week, 10:00 – 17:30 with possibility of extension.

Accommodation:             N/A

Travel:  Travel allowance available.

Insurance & Admin:        N/A

Subsistence:      Non – salaried position. Subsidised 10-week overseas placement on a Frontier research programme (excluding return flights, visas, insurance, and dive- training) on successful completion.

Training:               N/A

JOB SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Education/Knowledge:

-              Educated to degree level             

-              Degree preferably in a natural sciences, social science or environmental discipline

-              Knowledge of conservation issues

-              Relevant Masters degree

 

Experience:       

-              Working in a dynamic environment

-              Working as part of a team

-              Office and administration experience

-              Experience of conducting research projects         

-              Working with NGOs

-              Working in developing countries

-              Experience conducting tropical field, conservation or animal biology research

-              Some proposal writing experience

-              Familiarity with the conservation/ development sector and donor agencies

Skills:    

-              Working knowledge of databases, statistic packages and websites

-              Administrative and time management skills

-              Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills

-              Good numerical skills

-              Good IT skills, particularly a good working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing

-              Ability to work with limited supervision, and to be a proactive team member

-              Ability to conduct research

-              Experience using R, GIS

-              French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Kiswahili or Malagasy language skills

-              Full driving licence

-              First aid qualification

Personal Attributes:       

-              Commitment to conservation

-              Flexible approach

-              High attention to detail

-              Ability to motivate others, and work as part of a team

-              Sense of humour

-              Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to work as a team

-              Professional approach

Articulate           

Physical fitness