Project Development Assistant (General) Internship

The closing date for applications for this position has now passed.

The World Land Trust manages several overseas conservation projects and is always in the process of assessing and developing new projects, working in partnership with local organisations within project countries by providing assistance in the form of funding, consultancy and training.

We currently have a vacancy for a Projects Development Assistant (General) to join the WLT as part of our Internship Programme. This is a voluntary position, focusing on the development of WLT land purchase and restoration ecology projects, on-going liaison with international partners, and promotion and fundraising for projects and the organisation as a whole. Working directly with the project management team, this internship will provide an excellent opportunity to acquire skills in conservation management, and is expected to enhance the work of WLT.

Interns need to be self-reliant, motivated and organised. The WLT is looking for candidates with a high level of literacy and communication skills, who want to work as part of a small team dealing with international issues, in a rural town location. The successful applicant should, ideally, be a graduate with a strong interest and background in conservation, ecology, climate change and/or natural history; and should be familiar with issues relating to these topics. A proven enthusiasm for the subject and/or relevant volunteering experience is a distinct advantage.

During the 6-month period interns will receive training individually tailored to equip them to fulfil their role at WLT. Informal training will be provided in-house, and there may also be the chance to attend formal training courses available outside the office (dependent on the work programme and funding availability). The WLT aims to provide its interns with a broad base of knowledge and experience to enable them to pursue a career in the environment/conservation management sector.

Role Description

Projects

• Assisting the Projects Team in the management of ongoing land purchase and restoration ecology projects;
• Carrying out project related tasks as required;
• Responding to, and following up, any ideas put forward on relevant topics (i.e. as suggested by the CEO, Trustees, members of the public, staff etc.);
• Organisation of relevant files;
• Follow up new ideas for project funding;
• Managing details of relevant projects - i.e. writing proposals/budgets;
• Researching relevant topics as appropriate, with possible emphasis on carbon offsetting/REDD issues;
• Keeping dialogue with relevant partners;
• Administration of meetings - organisation, minute taking etc.

Books for Conservation

• Assist Projects Officer in management of Books for Conservation, dealing with incoming deliveries, requests for books and shipment of donated books;
• Writing grant applications to help raise funds for this programme.

Web/IT

• Assist in writing and editing website content.

Education

• Assist the Education Officer in the preparation and delivery of educational resources/visits;
• Assist with the preparation and improvements of educational material;
• Assist the Education Officer in answering education related queries.

Publications and Marketing

• Assist with drafting press releases and news articles;
• Assist with writing and developing informative and promotional materials for WLT.

Fundraising

• Assist with fundraising/awareness raising activities; writing grant applications/assisting with fundraising/awareness raising events.

Administration

• Support to administration staff, reception and secretarial work;
• General assistant to office staff;
• Personal assistant to Chief Executive, including organising and shadowing meetings and note taking.

Expectations

• Opportunity to develop/acquire general office skills, i.e. filing, reception, general organisation, minute-taking etc.;
• Shadowing as a method of learning about the range of activities;
• Good all-round experience of office routines and systems;
• Organisation of communications/articles/papers etc;
• Attendance at appropriate meetings outside the office;
• Assisting organisation of meetings and local events/activities.
• The intern will give assistance to all other members of staff, and will be expected to perform a wide range of office duties as part of general training;
• Training, both in-house and formal;
• Networking with active conservation projects and major organisations worldwide;
• Hands on experience of project research and development, as well as other skills related to conservation management;
• Opportunity to develop own skills and interests within post;
• The intern will be expected to conform to general office standards.

Further information on the Internship Programme can be found in the Internship Booklet:

Internship Booklet (247KB) (opens in new window)
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To Apply:

Apply via email by 5pm on 30th November 2009 to Education Officer, Kelly Jacobs:

Please state "Projects Development Assistant (General)" within your covering letter or in the email subject heading.

Applications should include a covering letter and current CV (including a career plan). Applications that do not include the stated requirements will not be considered.

Interviews will be held during the second week of December. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The start date for the internship is 11th January 2010.

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