Summer Field Internship - Bolivia

Conservation International Board Member Byron Trott has generously provided Conservation International with funding to support immersive field based summer internships for US based students. These internships will provide selected students with a unique opportunity to experience the hands-on conservation work in our programs and provide exposure to management and leadership skills in a non-profit organization.

For the summer of 2015, Conservation International (CI) is offering a summer internship for a student in our Bolivia country program.   This is an exciting opportunity to experience one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and understand the intrinsic connection between Mother Nature and local communities.  Our work in Bolivia supports municipalities and indigenous groups with land use plans that lead to natural and sustainably managed landscapes.  These activities are affecting more than 7 million hectares (a little over 17 million acres) and contributing to the well-being of approximately 60,000 residents.

Under the direction of CI Bolivia’s Technical Manager, the selected intern will not only gain a better understanding on CI’s work in climate change mitigation and adaptation, but will witness firsthand the efforts that Bolivia is taking to mitigate climate change and engagement with local communities.  Based in CI’s office in La Paz, the internship will include field site visits to our work in Rurrenabaque and Pando. CI’s work in Pando aims to promote community conservation of indigenous lands, avoiding deforestation while promoting human well-being. The program is the first included as a part of the national policy on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The internship will focus on Bolivia’s position to address climate change “mitigation and adaptation joint mechanism” as an alternative to (REDD+) schemes, while respecting local culture.  Building on the sacred belief that Mother Earth is not a commercial commodity to be traded, Bolivia is focused on implementing an alternative funding approach for climate change.  The intern will focus on the development of a document that support Bolivia’s position on climate change adaptation and mitigation, including an assessment on the discourse of the Mother Earth approach, identification of implementation actions, and identification of challenges in the medium and long term.  Geared to both national and local governments as well as a general audience, the document will be used as a reference document articulating the small country’s creative position in the context of the climate change

The internship will include a one week orientation at Conservation International Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Conservation International will cover all travel expenses including, travel to Bolivia, accommodations, and food.  Interns must supply their own health insurance and sign a volunteer waiver.

Internship Duties

• Define methodology of the study, including tools like interview guides and sources;
• Perform field visits to gain awareness on the forest opportunities and challenges;
• Organize and synthesize data
• Prepare and present a final document on the joint mitigation and adaptation efforts related to Bolivia’s climate change positions
• Provide support to the CI team on related issues
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Current student pursuing a college degree with emphasis in a social science including sociology, anthropology, economics, policy or other related areas
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Ability to work in field conditions including long walks in the rainforest
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of cultural situations
• Independent and able to thrive in challenging situations
• Comfort in environment with limited technology
• Basic knowledge of climate change policy and concepts preferred

The selected student must have a valid US passport, commit to the full internship period from June 22, 2015 to August 7, 2015 and sign a volunteer waiver release.

To Apply:  Submit your resume, cover letter expressing interest and two recommendation/reference letters by March 29, 2015.