Program Intern at Wildlife Conservation Society

Locations: Oban, Okwangwo, Mbe & Afi - Cross River

Job Summary

• The Internship program aims to provide graduates with practical, hands-on training, learning, and work experience while allowing interns to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world work environment.
• The Program Intern supports field program implementation, including ecological monitoring and community engagement, while providing the Program Intern with practical training in wildlife protection, spatial data collection, and conservation management. 
• The program aims to help the successful intern applicant explore career opportunities, develop new skills and competencies, and build professional working relationships that enhances their employability.

Major Responsibilities

• Support field teams in collecting biodiversity and law enforcement monitoring data using SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) technology and CyberTracker.
• Assist with camera trap deployment, data retrieval, image sorting, and species identification.
• Participate in forest patrols and wildlife transect surveys under supervision.
• Assist with community outreach, environmental education, and awareness campaigns in target communities.
• Support data collection for socioeconomic assessments, alternative livelihood programs, and local conservation committee (e.g. FMC/CAMM/CAAFiM, etc.) meetings.
• Support implementation of livelihood activities.
• Assist in entering, cleaning, and managing ecological and community survey data.
• Draft monthly progress updates, field activity reports, and meeting summaries.
• Assist with the digital and physical archives of field photos, data sheets, and GPS tracks maintenance and organization, and any other information.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Supervisor aligned with conservation objectives.
• Monthly Activity Reports: Summarising completed field trips, data entries, and learning milestones.
• Data Logbooks: Accurate SMART/GPS/Camera trap records submitted at the end of each field cycle.
• End-of-Internship Presentation/Report: Highlighting key contributions, lessons, skills acquired, and recommendations for future iterations of the internship program

Job Qualifications

• A recent graduate (B.Sc., HND, or equivalent) or final-year student in Forestry, Wildlife Management, Zoology, Environmental Science, Geography, Sociology, or related fields.
• Local familiarity with Cross River State geography, culture, and field terrain is a strong advantage.
• Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and community development.
• Ability and willingness to camp, hike long distances, and work under basic conditions in humid tropical rainforest environments in Cross River State.
• Familiarity with basic computer tools (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel). Exposure to GPS devices, ArcGIS, QGIS, or SMART software is a plus.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to communicate effectively with local community members (knowledge of local languages such as Ejagham, Bokyi, etc., is highly valued).
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and high standards of integrity.

Why Join Us?

• Dynamic Team: Join a dynamic team and work in a collaborative and conducive environment where your idea and everyone's input are valued.
• Growth Opportunities: We believe in providing an enabling environment to develop your career. We are committed to developing your skills and competencies and offer opportunities for career advancement.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values respect, teamwork, and excellence.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in conservation program
• Good understanding and working experience in an international NGO.
• Build real workplace competencies and skills and gain valuable working experience for future opportunities.