MAZIDO International are looking for a passionate recent graduate to join them as a Natural Resources Intern Officer to support conservation, natural resource management and community development.
MAZIDO International (Management of Arid Zones Initiatives and Development Option) is a community-led non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Voi, Taita-Taveta County. Its mission is to empower the community to utilize natural resources productively
This internship is designed to give a recent graduate practical, hands-on exposure to community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), ecosystem restoration, catchment protection, and climate change interventions in a dynamic NGO environment.
We are looking for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys engaging with local farming and pastoralist communities, possesses good computer skills, adapts rapidly to field challenges, and brings a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in organizing and facilitating community awareness meetings, farmer field days, and environmental training workshops with local conservation committees, women’s groups, and youth.
- Support community tree nursery establishment, seed collection, tree seedling distribution, and the monitoring of tree survival and growth rates across restoration sites.
- Assist in promoting and demonstrating sustainable land management practices, including terracing, contour farming, water harvesting, and catchment protection.
- Support baseline surveys, GPS coordinate mapping of project sites, and collecting monitoring data using mobile tools (such as KoboToolbox, ODK, or Google Forms).
- Draft brief field activity notes, take quality photos of field interventions, collect community testimonies/success stories, and compile attendance sheets.
- Work proactively with field teams to address community queries, monitor challenges (e.g., pests, weather delays), and suggest practical on-the-ground adjustments.
CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS
- Must have graduated not more than two (2) years ago (Class of 2024, 2025, or 2026) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Forestry, Range Management, Climate Change, or related environmental discipline.
- Comfortable using everyday computer tools (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace) for reporting and recordkeeping.
- Quick to pick up mobile data collection apps (KoboToolbox, GPS tools), project frameworks, and organizational procedures.
- Practical, adaptable, and resourceful when facing challenges during community field activities.
- Strong oral and written English and Kiswahili communication skills. Ability to respectfully communicate with diverse rural community members.
- Open to fresh graduates; prior field attachment, academic research, or volunteer participation in community conservation is an added advantage.
DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Readiness and willingness to travel frequently to rural field sites within Taita Taveta County.
- Genuine passion for conservation and community development, paired with honesty and accountability.
- High collaborative spirit, respectful attitude toward community elders and diverse groups, and active participation.
