Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The intern will support evidence synthesis efforts led by the Moore Center for Science, in collaboration with the Center for Natural Climate Solutions and other CI global programs.

Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are land stewardship programs, policies, and projects enhancing carbon sequestration and associated co-benefits through the avoided loss of native forests and wetlands, ecosystem restoration, and improved working land management. Rigorous evidence about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implemented NCS interventions is emerging, although significant gaps remain.

The intern will apply evidence synthesis techniques (e.g. evidence gap map, theory-based evaluation, systematic review, meta-analysis, cost-benefit analysis…) to identify, analyze, and summarize scientific evidence about the effectiveness of priority NCS pathways and interventions. The compiled materials will advance the scientific understanding of the effectiveness of NCS interventions and findings may be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Findings will also contribute to inform conservation decision-making and investments at CI, and in collaboration with our partners.

This position is a 12-week summer paid internship

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify priority research questions and develop an evidence synthesis protocol
• Collect and analyze scientific articles and reports about the effectiveness of priority NCS interventions
• Prepare materials for scientific communications and peer-review publication
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This internship will be based at CI’s office in Arlington, Virginia with telework/Remote work options likely due to COVID19.
• There is no travel expected for this position. The internship will be 12 weeks in duration.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Experience with experimental and/or quasi-experimental impact evaluation methods 
• Experience with evidence synthesis (theory-based evaluation, systematic review, meta-analysis, evidence gap map…)
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with evidence about at least one type of land stewardship interventions in developing countries (avoided loss of native cover, ecosystem restoration or improved working land management)
• Eligibility: student currently enrolled in a US graduate school (social sciences, natural resource management/conservation, environmental sciences, environmental policy, or related field) or a recent graduate (3 months post-graduation) and legally able to work in the US