Conservation Technology for Nature Based Solutions Intern

Overview

Salary: £20,320 per annum
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract Type: Three months
Location: Fauna & Flora, Cambridge. Current policy offers partial remote working within the UK

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora is the world’s longest established international conservation organisation. Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it. We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation. Today Fauna & Flora is active in over 40 countries.

The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are inextricably linked, and there is no pathway to effectively responding to climate change that does not include nature. Nature- based solutions (NbS) are key to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss; from rainforests to mangroves, grasslands to peatlands – protection, sustainable management and restoration of these ecosystems is critical for the journey to net zero. NbS also provide vital pathways to build resilience and enable adaptation to an already changing climate.

In this context, this internship offers a valuable learning opportunity for someone interested in the application of emerging technologies in the design and implementation of NbS for climate change mitigation (including REDD+). You will assess how we can utilise new capabilities in novel technologies (for example, Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and, Machine Learning (ML)) for measurement, monitoring, reporting and verifying project results (MRV) with a focus on carbon values of the ecosystem. You will work closely with the CNL technical specialists who are working at the intersection of nature conservation and market-based mechanisms for sustainable finance, including voluntary carbon market projects (REDD+ and blue carbon), and developmental work on biodiversity credits. Alongside the CNL Team you will be collaborating with Fauna & Flora’s Remote Sensing Technical Specialist (Conservation Technology Team). This internship will develop and present learning documents, to inform and influence the organisation’s approach to leverage these technological innovations and develop strategic and technical partnerships to enhance and scale up future work.

In return, you will gain valuable insights into the operations and technical work of a highly regarded international conservation NGO. You will gain experience working at the cutting edge of efforts to tackle the climate change and biodiversity crises, in innovative ways that also leverage equitable and long-term finance for local people on the frontline of nature-based climate action.

You will get the opportunity to attend team meetings and meet project teams, gaining an insight into Fauna & Flora’s work on projects across the globe. You will receive tailored briefings and support from cross-cutting specialists in the CNL and Conservation Technology Teams, and attend working groups and journal clubs, to develop your skills and knowledge in nature conservation and market-based mechanisms for sustainable finance (REDD+ and blue carbon), biodiversity and biodiversity credits, social safeguards, GIS, Remote Sensing, and AI, to name a few. Additionally, you will have access to Fauna & Flora’s internal training portal – Mangrove – to advance your professional development in the areas you are most interested in.

Note that this internship has been designed to create a professional development opportunity for people who are new to the conservation sector. Therefore, applicants should have less than two years paid or unpaid experience in the conservation sector (not including academic work).

This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

For further details and to apply please click here

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 22 October 2023.