Resilient Watersheds Internship

OFFICE LOCATION: The intern positions will be based in Eldoret (Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company -ELDOWAS) and possibly TNC office Nairobi for the communication intern.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges to create a world where people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which include a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want better insight into TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate. 

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for indigenous people, strengthening leadership and resource management, and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socio-economic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development, and sustainable food production working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa. 

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Resilient Watersheds Intern will support the Resilient Watersheds (RW) program by working closely with the Resilient Watersheds team and the Resilient Watersheds Manager in promoting the programs objectives, community work on various platforms, drafting strategic communication materials as well as supporting different conservation projects on matters product development and value chains analysis. In Liaison with the Resilient Watersheds coordinator support promotion of different social media platforms, newsletters, and other communication materials to reach larger audiences. The Resilient Watersheds Intern will also analyse different value chains for the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF) and support the project’s outreach products as needed. The internship is for specified period of six months from the date of engagement. The intern positions will be based in Eldoret (Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company -ELDOWAS) and possibly TNC office Nairobi for the communication intern.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support planning and coordination of stakeholders’ meetings, workshops, technical training, and reporting.
2. Support in data management (quality assessment and control) both in Kobo Collect and in reaching out to farmers through the SMS system platform.
3. Support regular water quality and quantity monitoring assessment.
4. Identify priority value chains for development in River Yala Water Fund and Eldoret Iten Water Fund and develop detailed report at the end of the internship period.
5. Assist in marketing and outreach channels, and social media platforms, propose promotion techniques to increase reach and for knowledge sharing.
6. Support the development of content and dissemination of project information through social media.
7. Learn practical new skills on farm plan and water pan development.
8. Prepare and share a summarized report on achievements every month with the Resilient Watersheds Manager.
9. Assist the project planning team to integrate new techniques and technologies from time to time.
10. Support field team with day-to-day operations and logistical support

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• University bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Agribusiness, Communication, Community development, Information Technology, international relations, or other relevant fields.
• Must have graduated in the last 2 years, not presently in school/college.
• Prior training in different communication and analysis tools (Social media platforms, value chain analysis tools, Marketing and Outreach, basic mapping skills – Google Earth) – an added advantage
• Relevance of college course undertaken to the task available at the Resilient Watersheds Program.
• Speak Swahili fluently

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Residence in any of the areas that the internship is expected to be based in – Elgeyo Marakwet County, Uasin Gishu County and Nandi County is highly appreciated.
• Additional data management, basic GIS training and or applicable skill in mapping is desirable.
• Communication well with local communities .
• Ability to commit and demonstrate TNC core values.
• Willingness to stay and work in rural settings for a prolonged period when needed.
• Willingness to learn, interact, and work with multiple actors including Senior Leaders, County government officials, NGOs, businesspeople, and farmers.
• Willingness to learn new skills including taking the Water Fund online introductory course (Feasibility Phase) up to the certificate level

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world! 

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive internship stipend. 

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Our Competencies:

BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS
Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.

COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK
Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.

COMMUNICATES AUTHENTICALLY
Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, address important issues, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.

DEVELOPS OTHERS
Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them strengthen their workplace contributions.

DRIVES FOR RESULTS
Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high-performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work-life balance.

LEVERAGES DIFFERENCE
Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholders. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.

SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP
Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large- scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.