[Sust-mar] International Eco-Internships, f/t, Falls Brook Centre, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Canada

Thu Jul 1 11:21:02 EDT 2010

[from Canada's Green Job Site, GoodWorkCanada.ca]

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Position: International Eco-Internships (5 positions)

Type: full-time, 34 week internships with weekly stipend (details below)

Organization: Falls Brook Centre http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca

Location: Canada, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico

CONTENTS: 

(1) Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator, Cuba, 1 position

(2) Community Development Facilitator, Honduras, 2 positions

(3) Organic Agriculture Facilitator, Mexico, 2 positions

(4) Internship Program Details & Requirements (applies to all positions)

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(1) Title: Biodiversity Restoration Facilitator

Positions Available: 1

Location: Cuba

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Partner Organization: Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales (IIF), Cuba

Partnership Description: Falls Brook Centre and the Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales de Cuba began a joint biodiversity restoration through Analog Forestry project in September 2007. Analog Forestry is a methodology that moves beyond other agro-forestry practices since it includes an explicit focus on the identification and incorporation of biological diversity of plant species with viable economic returns for small producers. Interns participating in this project will contribute to carry out the train the trainers' workshops in Havana and Guantanamo, liaise with national and international organizations and apply the Analog Forestry methodology on the field.

Intern Attributes:

a) Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)

b) Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science / studies, non-timber forest products or resource management.

c) Knowledge of tropical/Caribbean flora and fauna biology or botany

d) Knowledge on medicinal plant propagation

e) Knowledge of Forest Systems

f) Knowledge on environmental health issues

g) Experience developing environmental educational materials an asset;

h) Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas

a) Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.

b) Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.

c) Planning and co- facilitate community workshops on environmental and nutritional themes with adults

d) Plan and co-facilitate creative children's environmental education workshops

e) Assess women's experience in natural resource management and propose ways to incorporate this experience i

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(2) Title: Community Development Facilitator

Positions Available: 2

Location: La Ceiba, Honduras

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Partner Organization: Fundación Cuero y Salado (FUCSA), Honduras

Partnership Description: FUCSA (Fundación Cuero y Salado) is a prominent environmental organization based out of La Ceiba Honduras, which has been a leader in protected area management and community development since 1987. The Foundation manages a 13 000 hectare wildlife refuge and the small communities which live within the area. FUCSA is focused on creating livelihood opportunities for the people living within the refuge, and the many communities situated in the broader watershed. Through activities such as ecotourism, sustainable fisheries management, and watershed restoration, FUCSA aims to protect and conserve the native biodiversity of the zone while working closely with local people who rely on the natural resources of the area for survival.

Intern Attributes:

a) Working knowledge of Spanish required (advanced preferred)

b) Degree in forestry, biology, geography, international development, environmental science / studies, non-timber forest products or resource management.

b) Interest in Sustainable Forestry practices

c) Experience with community based organizations

d) Computer and webskills

e) Communication and group facilitation skills

f) Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama experience, experience running education programs.

g) Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas

a) Support outreach and trainings of local farmers in Analog Forestry practices

b) Support the design of ecosystem and biodiversity restoration in existing Analog Forestry sites

c) Conduct Biodiversity Baseline studies to monitor project success overtime

d) Assess women's experience in natural resource management and propose ways to incorporate this experience into project activities.

e) Develop educational materials and resources for local farmers concerning effective agricultural management

f) Implementation of biodiversity and soil restoration techniques.

g) Seed propagation of medicinal and nutritional species.

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(3) Title: Organic Agriculture Facilitator

Positions Available: 2

Location: Chapingo, Mexico

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Partner Organization: CIESTAAM, Mexico

Partnership Description: The current VSF-funded project, entitled "The Organic Network of Change: Developing Sustainability in Rural Mexican Communities through Local Organic Markets", is in its third and final year. Successes up to this point include the growth of the network of organic markets from 9 participating markets to 18, the integration of women at all levels of the decision-making structure within the network, the empowerment of rural women in taking leadership roles at the level of individual markets, and the establishment of a system of participatory organic certification that may be accessed and utilized by small organic producers wishing to sell their products locally.

Intern Attributes:

a) Working knowledge of Spanish required.

b) Degree in education, rural development, international or community development, environmental science/studies/ agriculture.

c) Good communication skills, experience working with youth and children, theatre/drama experience,

d) Experience developing and leading environmental education programs

e) French language would be an asset.

f) Works well in a team environment but able to manage independent projects and take initiative

Job Description Overseas

a) Assist in coordination of the Mexican Network of Organic Markets

b) Public engagement activities in Canada and Mexico to raise consumer awareness of local, organic products available in both countries

c) Assist in the creation of publications and research documents on small-scale organics in Mexico

d) Educational activities for children on food security and organics

e) Monitoring and evaluation of the project's progress

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(4) INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DETAILS

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APPLICATION DETAILS:

To apply, please send all applications by email:

International Intern Coordinator

Email: internships at fallsbrookcentre.ca

Applications will only be accepted by e-mail. Applicants should electronically provide a cover letter, indicating the position(s) in which they are interested and highlighting their qualifications for this position, along with a resume and 2 references.

Please indicate in your cover letter your earliest possible start date.

Note: If you are interested in more than one position please indicate your interests in the cover letter. FBC retains the right to match interns with overseas placements during the in-Canada portion at the beginning.

While Falls Brook Centre appreciates all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month of application deadline please assume that we have chosen other candidates for this round of internships.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted immediately and hiring will continue until all positions are filled.

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INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:

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These youth internships have been made available through the Canadian International Development Agency International Youth Internship Program which is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy Program (YES). The goal of this project is to give young Canadians international work experience and to develop skills in the fields of international relations and sustainable development. Successful applicants will start and finish their work experience in rural New Brunswick at Falls Brook Centre. These positions require determined, self-starting individuals who are willing to work in a team and under difficult conditions and unpredictable circumstances. The successful applicant will be given a moderate financial stipend to cover living expenses and a unique opportunity to gain experience in an international environment.

PREREQUISITES FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:

* Be aged 30 or under;

* Be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants able to work in Canada;

* Be currently under or unemployed;

* Have not previously worked outside Canada in a paid, career-related position;

* Be a graduate of a college or university; and,

* Have not previously participated in another Internship Program funded by the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES)

General Qualifications for all Internships:

* Proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment as well as unsupervised under stressful conditions with minimal resources and achieve results;

* Ability to learn quickly and on your own initiative, a highly motivated self-starter; Creative problem solving and lateral thinking skills.

* Understanding and experience in working on sustainability and environmental issues;

* Proven computer skills including Word, e-mail, and internet.

* Initiative to create own projects during gaps between assigned projects;

* Must be available to travel and work on a few evenings and week-ends;

* An ability to be flexible in new situations and to deal well with change;

* Excellent health and fitness;

* Some previous travel or overseas study experience would be a strong asset;

* Ability to work in rustic conditions while in Canada

* Having a sense of humour is an asset, as is the ability to 'go with the moment.'

GENERAL ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR ALL INTERNSHIPS:

To ensure the cohesiveness of Falls Brook Centre staff and interns, general activities for all interns at Falls Brook Centre include:

* Assisting in the maintenance of the Acadian Forest restoration nursery;

* Delivering tours of Falls Brook Centre to the public;

* General office duties, developing organizational skills;

* Maintaining various signed nature trails; and

* Assisting in the production of certified-organic food.

Work Schedule and Stipend:

* Falls Brook Centre: 12 weeks

* Work time overseas: 20 weeks

* Falls Brook Centre: 2 weeks

Please note: This schedule is very fluid and is subject to change, (i.e., the intern may spend only 2 weeks at Falls Brook Centre before travelling overseas, but the intern would spend the remaining 12 weeks at Falls Brook Centre upon their return).

Stipend: $200 per week. EI and CPP contributions will be deducted from the stipend.

Living Expenses: Please note you will be required to pay a weekly room and board rental fee to Falls Brook Centre, if you choose to live on-site. Accommodation Costs at Falls Brook Centre (includes a basic, furnished room, heat, electricity, and water): May 1 - September 15: $75/week, September 16 - April 30: $90/week

Food Expenses: All interns are part of the following food structure. We live in a remote rural environment and try to supply as much food as possible from our own organic gardens, further supplemented by local organic products. This is part of our ongoing effort to support a local, sustainable food system.

* Access to in-season fresh organic vegetables, berries, herbs, flowers on-site. The price is $12 per week. All interns on site during this timeframe are automatically a part of this system.

* $10/week for Whole Foods Co-op (WFC) (year-round). All interns are automatically a part of this system while on-site at FBC. This supplies weekly access to grains, pastas, flours, oils, nuts, peanut butter, laundry detergent and dish soap, among other essential goods. Selection is subject to availability.

* Any food items not included in the organic gardens or WFC will be purchased by the intern.

Interns are also responsible for paying for all living expenses while overseas. Costs will vary according to country and job location.

These internships cannot be seen as a money-making venture or salaried position -- the stipend you receive is to help offset your costs of living only. It is recommended that you have additional funds to provide yourself with any entertainment, communication and extracurricular activities. In return, you will be placed with a leading and highly respected organization to gain valuable work experience and skills for your future employment endeavours. If you have a student loan, it may be possible to defer payment during the course of your internship but you should check that out in advance before applying.

Supervision at Falls Brook Centre provided by the Intern Co-ordinator. Interns will also work closely with a Staff mentor who is the program coordinator for their area of internship.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, although there may be occasional evening and weekend work required.

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT:

This is neither a summer camp nor an exotic foreign placement. Falls Brook Centre internships will suit some and not others. The internship will not be easy; you can expect long hours with minimal financial compensation. The value is really in what you can apply yourself to and what you take away with you. Your job descriptions may vary throughout your internship and you will be expected to "work to task" based on the needs of FBC and your overseas host. In other words, you can expect to perform many "menial" but fundamental tasks. In so doing, you will be forming a critical part of what it takes to run a non-profit organization.

You can also expect lots of job satisfaction, strong friendships and the opportunity to work closely with a team in an international setting. You also have the added benefit of working/living in an exciting and innovative setting with like minded individuals. You will be working with highly skilled, motivated non-governmental organizations faced with challenging situations. You will be trained in many aspects of being an effective environmental advocate and you should expect to spend a very full eight months requiring time, energy, productivity and a perspective willing to be challenged and engaged.

It is important that you are aware of these conditions before you apply. On completing the internship, you will have solid, employable skills training and have been engaged in planning your future job exposure.

Internships at Falls Brook Centre are designed to improve the knowledge, skills, and experience of young professionals and to increase their options for career choices after the internship. During the internship, interns are exposed to a wide variety of people, and training sessions, both in Canada and overseas. Work is conducted in Canada and overseas to improve the intern's awareness of the linkages between national and international issues, and to give interns the opportunity to share and apply learned skills with overseas partner organizations, and to equally learn from their partner organizations own experience. Understanding the Canadian context is very important for understanding and working within the international context. For those candidates who are primarily interested in the overseas component of the internship, we suggest that you look at other organizations who have similar goals to your own. This will be a critical factor in ensuring your overall satisfaction 
 with your internship.

Falls Brook is a very remote, rural environment. We try to "live simply, so that others may simply live". You must have the ability to feel comfortable with wood heat, spring water, lots of physical outdoor labour (including cleaning outhouses on occasion!) and a rural living experience.

When applying, please indicate that you saw this posting at GoodWorkCanada.ca.

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