Project Assistant — Oxford, UK

Organization: Global Canopy Programme

Job Title: Project Assistant

Location: Oxford, UK

Hours and Compensation: Full Time — £15,000

Application Deadline: 9/24/12

Position Dates: unspecified but position is for One Year

Posted On: 9/10/12

Organization Overview

The Global Canopy Programme is a growing and dynamic tropical forest think-tank based in Oxford, acting through our global networks of experts in science, policy, business, finance and forest communities.  We gather their tropical forest intelligence to spark insight, convene research and design projects that can help leverage future large-scale systemic change. We demonstrate the value of forests as natural capital and communicate it to the world.

Description

The Global Canopy Programme (GCP) is seeking a Project Assistant on our paid internship programme within the Policy Programme, to be based at our Head Office inOxford. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a pioneering, versatile and dynamic NGO committed to demonstrating new approaches that benefit both forests and people. We gather solid evidence from our global networks of scientists, practitioners, financiers and policy makers and aim to communicate our analysis and findings in simple and creative ways to progress dialogue and action in the real world.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the completion of a range of supporting tasks to maintain the REDD Desk, a flagship project within the Policy programme of the Global Canopy Programme. The REDD Desk (www.theREDDdesk.org) is an online collaborative platform which provides a comprehensive set of interactive resources on REDD+ and REDD readiness for our global stakeholders, from international policy makers to developing country governments and NGOs. The tasks will focus on updating and maintaining web based research on REDD+ and related areas, maintaining relationships with overseas partners, and ensuring the smooth running of the REDD Library, Countries Database and News portals.

The Project Assistant will also support colleagues in the wider development of the REDD+ and Climate thematic work area, and will report to the Project Manager – Policy Programme. The Project Assistant will also be expected to engage with broader themes within the Policy Programme and GCP as necessary, under the guidance and direction of both the Head of Policy.

In order to fit within the small and dynamic team, the successful candidate will also need to be passionate, extremely adaptable, and at ease working in a fast paced and responsive environment.

Responsibilities

• RESEARCHANDMAINTENANCE – Maintain and keep up to date existing REDD+ country profiles on countries database through primary research and contact with partners (www.theredddesk.org/countries), manage REDD Library and Resource Desk materials, update News portal, support technical development of the platform and manage social media accounts.
• INITIATIVEANDINDEPENDENT WORKING – Have the initiative to work independently on updating the platform, and be able to efficiently source and communicate major changes in REDD+ and climate space to colleagues and users of the site. Assist Project Officers in informing policy discussions on REDD+ and climate theme and other themes where appropriate.
• CREATIVITY AND INSIGHT – Fresh thinking to address the challenges identified in managing the platform. Confidence to express new ideas, support your research findings and an ability to communicate ideas clearly to colleagues.
• ENGAGING NETWORKS – Engage with, follow up and maintain close contact with key REDD Desk networks, with guidance of Project Officers. 

Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant  degree in environment, climate change, development or similar.
• Desire to gain knowledge in one or more of the following priority themes: REDD+, climate change, drivers of tropical deforestation, international environmental policy.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, including confidence with presentations and public speaking.
• Good organisational skills, with experience of managing a complex workload of priorities.
• Excellent IT proficiency, including familiarity with web based systems, and basic website management, social media and web based networking.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of REDD+ and climate change.
• 1 or more years work experience in charity or environment sector.
• Excellent language skills – French, Spanish or Portuguese highly valued.
• A thesis/dissertation or similar demonstrating research interest in topics relevant to GCPs core thematic areas.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected] by the 24^th September 2012