Conservation International

Restoration Data Management & Process Improvement Intern

With the growing consensus that nature can provide at least 30% of the climate mitigation needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, and the recognition that carbon removals from reforestation and restoration are the only scalable ‘technologies’ we have today to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, many global initiatives have enabled commitments for restoration. As a core component of its Climate Strategy, Conservation International has set ambitious targets for scaling restoration globally as a climate solution, demonstrated through our large restoration portfolios, spanning implementation in over 20 countries.

The Bekenstein intern will support CI’s global restoration work through coordination with CI’s Restoration Project Specialists, NCS Design & Impact Senior Manager, CI’s field teams, and other CI staff to manage and analyze incoming restoration data to inform project progress and contribute to program delivery objectives. The intern will focus the majority of their time analyzing restoration data gathered by 23 restoration projects within CI’s portfolio and helping the global restoration team interpret the results to inform adaptive management of the project. The intern will ensure that data needed for analyses is complete and correct, which may involve data cleaning or facilitating corrections with project teams and the global restoration team.

The intern will perform data analyses in line with the program’s indicators and management needs, relying on analytical skills to execute analyses and derive insights. Data may be qualitative or quantitative, thematically focused on socioeconomics, biophysical variables or trees, and require knowledge of statistics and/or GIS. The intern will also facilitate conversations with CI’s restoration team to share the results and discuss implications for project management, helping us to adaptively manage the program. Documentation of all processes will be crucial to this work. The intern’s contributions will increase the efficiency of CI’s global restoration team, and facilitate better project management, allowing more focus on planting additional trees and sequestering more CO2.

This internship offers the chance to work with a diverse team and gain deep insights into running a restoration portfolio. The intern will interact directly with project teams from several countries, as well as a range of experts within CI’s global programs.

Qualifications

• Fascination with restoration, landscapes, forests, and reforestation.
• Strong data analysis skills using both qualitative and quantitative data and an interest in applying them to restoration data.
• Experience displaying results in an accessible format. 
• Ability to use R and ArcGIS software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools. 
• Ability to work effectively with multicultural, multidisciplinary teams worldwide, including CI staff and partners.
• Willingness and capacity to navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges and opportunities.

Timeline

• Data management and analysis (20-30% of time)
  • Weeks 1-2: Learn to use the data management platforms; assist with data cleaning, data corrections, data organization, and/or quality control of project data so that high-quality data is included in analyses

• Data display and communication (70-80% of time)
  • Weeks 3-6: Assessment of existing systems and identification of potential tools
    • Research into existing data management systems
    • Interviews with program team to understand time-intensive processes
    • Identification of areas for improving efficiency
    • Exploration of tools that could be utilized to increase efficiency
    • Document findings and provide recommendation
  • Weeks 7-9: Implement recommendation
    • Design and implement data management tools or systems based on assessment findings
    • Support the integration of new tools into existing workflows
    • Document processes
  • Weeks 10-12: Test and iterate
    • Test new approaches with program team and receive feedback
    • Adjust system based on feedback
    • Document processes

Background

Since 1987, Conservation International has worked to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. Combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance, we’ve helped protect more than 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles) of land and sea across more than 70 countries.

Conservation International’s approach to conservation puts human well-being on equal footing with environmental goals. We respect human rights, ensure our programs are designed with gender equality in mind and create opportunities for local communities to earn a living while also helping nature.

Our work is focused on four pillars:

• Innovations in Science - Conservation International is behind some of the most extraordinary, cutting-edge conservation science taking place today. Our research is cited more than leading universities.
• Innovations in Finance - From our launch of the world’s first debt-for-conservation swap in 1987, Conservation International is changing the equation to make nature more valuable alive than destroyed.
• Partnering with Communities - Respecting the rights of Indigenous people and local communities was one of our founding principles, and it guides our work to this day.
• Working with Governments - Our science and expertise are helping governments take action to protect nature and the benefits it provides to people.

More information found here