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Intern – Forest Conflicts Researcher RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests

Intern – Forest Conflicts Researcher

RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests

Application deadline: 28th October 2011

RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests holds a unique and important place in the world of forestry. It is the only international not-for-profit organization that specializes in capacity building for community forestry and devolved forest management. With over 20 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity building – involving research and analysis, demonstration sites, training products and services, and strategic communications – RECOFTC delivers innovative solutions for people and forests.

Analysis and research are an integral part of RECOFTC’s work. They include participatory action research, synthesis, publications and policy dialogues at all levels (local, national and international levels). Analysis is integrated within the broader context of RECOFTC’s capacity building program, aiming at informing policy makers and practitioners, and more importantly providing a sound basis for capacity development of key stakeholders.

One key area of RECOFTC’s work is in conflict management, seeking to build the capacity of various stakeholders in conflict management, as well as training conflict mediators. Additionally to strengthen its capacity building and training program, as well as to contribute to the discussions on conflict management, RECOFTC conducts a significant amount of research and analysis in this field. In this context RECOFTC is currently seeking an intern to work in research and analysis of forest conflicts. The successful applicant will be based at RECOFTC’s Bangkok headquarters. The contract duration is for 10 months.

POSITION SUMMARY

The intern will report to the Manager of the Capacity Building and Technical Services Unit. His/her main role is to support work on the thematic area of conflict management, specifically to conduct research and analysis on forest conflicts at global, regional, national and local levels. The results of such analysis will be strategically utilized for capacity building program and policy recommendations, as well as for contributing to discussions regarding forest conflict management on an academic and practitioner (e.g. conflict mediators) level.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The intern’s main tasks and responsibilities will be as follows:
1. Conduct research and analysis on forest conflicts focusing on conflict management tools, particularly conflict mediation. This will require theoretical analysis, as well as its application.
2. Conduct research and analysis on forest conflicts examining different components of forest conflicts on a global level, with a particular focus on conflicts involving local communities. This will include construction and management of a database facilitating the exploration of the data collected on these conflicts.
3. Contributing to trainings and academic conferences related to conflict management.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The intern will have the following essential qualifications and experience:

Essential
• MSc degree in natural resource management, governance, geography, political sciences or development studies from reputable universities.
• At least a year’s analytical and research experience.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and using web based applications
• Fluent in English with proven writing skills
• International experience, either working or studying outside of their home country
• Preference will be given to candidates from the Asia-Pacific region.

Desirable
• Ability to speak one of the following languages: Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Vietnamese, Mandarin or Khmer
• Willingness to travel

General
In addition to job specific skills and experience, the applicant should possess the following characteristics (including attitudes and skills):
• Interpersonal communication skills, individually and in-groups, with an ability to work as an active member of teams. This implies flexibility and open-mindedness;
• Initiative and ability to make informed independent judgments (which is not inconsistent with working as part of a team);
• Ability to work in a variety of cultural and institutional contexts.
• Independent with time management skills
• Output and outcome oriented

Successful candidate will be provided with monthly stipend of THB 28,000 / month, and USD 700 for travel insurance during their internship. No other benefits will be provided.

Please send applications to HR@recoftc.org, and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and current contact details of three referees, including recent supervisors. Please quote the position title in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

To learn more about RECOFTC, please visit our website www.recoftc.org

RECOFTC is an equal opportunity employer and the successful candidate will be selected based on merit.

Job Email id:hr(at)recoftc.org