Intern Position: Biodiversity and Oil Palm, Indonesia

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is looking for an intern to work along side the Biodiversity and Oil Palm team in Indonesia to develop a Palm Oil Resource Centre website and assist with research and communications. The position will be based in Bogor, Indonesia, and will last for 6 months.

ZSL’s work in Indonesia began in 2009 with the aim of finding practical solutions to mitigating the impact of palm oil production on biodiversity via effective implementation of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification scheme. So far this has involved developing practical guidance for identifying and managing High Conservation Value species and habitats, establishing a website to improve access to research relating to biodiversity and oil palm, and convening an international symposium to review the science and practice of realising sustainable palm oil and catalyse the actions needed by each sector to achieve this. We have also been working to identify and overcome policy related barriers that currently hinder efforts to reduce the impact of palm oil production on biodiversity in Indonesia. In order to achieve this, ZSL works closely with the RSPO through participation in the Biodiversity & High Conservation Working Group, as well as a range of palm oil stakeholders.

The next phase of the project, which is set to run until December 2012, will build on this work by engaging with producers, the RSPO and both the international and Indonesian HCV Resource Networks to develop and field test a practical system for HCV monitoring. At present, there is currently limited guidance or tools available to assist producers to implement scientifically sound monitoring protocols, yet this is critical to inform adaptive management and gain a greater insight into the impact of efforts by RSPO member producers to conserve biodiversity within oil palm. In addition we will be developing and restructuring the current Biodiversity information for Oil Palm website into a new Palm Oil Resource Centre website to facilitate access to accurate and informative research along the entire length of the palm oil supply chain.

Terms of Reference

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is looking for an intern to provide website and communications support on the Biodiversity and oil palm project in Indonesia. The website is designed to inform stakeholders along the length of the palm oil supply chain, including growers, processors, traders and consumers.

Main tasks would include (but not exhaustive):

• Assisting the Biodiversity and oil palm project developer with the development of the new Palm Oil Resource Centre website.
• Researching and compiling a catalogue of suitable literature discussing environmental and sustainability issues linked to oil palm including contacting authors to authorise use of their published material.
• Input into the content and design of website.
• Writing and editing text and content of the website.
• Liaising with Indonesian and London based staff on website development and project communications.
• Assist in the development of social media strategy.
• Assist with establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant local and international stakeholders and target groups. .
• Liaise with ZSL Business and Biodiversity team as well as Development and Press office (press releases, website support etc).
• Attend relevant meetings and events when required.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A BSc in conservation or ecology (or biological/zoological equivalent)
• Some relevant work/field experience
• Some experience in writing, editing popular material
• A interest in media and communications (including social media)
• Excellent English both written and spoken
• Excellent IT skills ideally including experience in online media
• Willingness to work and live abroad in a developing country
• The candidate should be motivated, confident and willing to work independently

ZSL is offering:

• A professional working environment with an international team,
• Supervision by Conservation Programmes staff,
• Experience within an active conservation organisation,
• Opportunity to work and live abroad,
• Facilities including computer and internet
• International return flight and appropriate visa
• A small stipend to cover living costs.

Ideal period of volunteer contract:

• May – October 2012

• Full time, 5 days per week

Please send your CV and covering letter by email to: Sophia Gnych (sophia.gnych@zsl.org) or Michal Zrust (michal.zrust@zsl.org)

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 2nd April; Interviews: 10^th – 13^th April.