INTERN JOB DESCRIPTION

Job TitleAgricultural Research Intern – Timor-Leste

Reports toSouth East Asia Programme Coordinator/ Programme Quality Advisor

Hours12 - 16 hours per week(negotiable)

Duration3 months

Start dateendSeptember 2013

LocationNegotiable

Background

Oxfam has been working in Timor-Leste with farmer cooperatives for several years. Recently we have supported our Timorese partner to trial an agricultural technique known as System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in 8 cooperatives in various geographic locations.

SRI is an agricultural technique which can increase yields of rice by 48% - 75%. So far the results from several trials have been very positive.

Scope of internship

The purpose of this internship is to pull together all the field data, photographs and narrative reports to produce a polished research document for use by Oxfam for internal and external audiences.

This will involve working with data Oxfam New Zealand (ONZ) has received from Timor-Leste and where necessary, communicating directly with partner staff in Timor-Leste. The SRI trials have been coordinated by a New Zealand volunteer who will continue to be the link between the partner and Oxfam.

The place of work is flexible as the primary task does not require the intern to be based in an office. The work can be undertaken at a place convenient to the intern, including the ONZ Auckland office.

The internship will suit a current or recent student who is interested in gaining further knowledge of international development and the programming work of a respected INGO operating in SE Asia.

Primary responsibilities

  1. Read all materials about SRI, to become familiar with this agricultural technique.
  2. Read all the available materials, field data and reports ONZ has received and identify any gaps.
  3. Fill the gaps by gathering missing information from Timor-Leste, ONZ staff and/ or by undertaking additional research.
  4. Provide ONZ with a report format for the final report document on SRI.
  5. Compile a draft report for review by the SE Asia Programme Coordinator, and other relevant colleagues within ONZ/Oxfam International, and produce a final report ready for publication.

Competencies:

Qualifications, knowledge and experience:

  • Relevant qualification e.g. journalism, development studies, agriculture
  • An active interest in international development and social justice issues, and in particular, the work that Oxfam is engaged in
  • Experience of undertaking research and of writing reports
  • Knowledge of research methodologies
  • Experience of using Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel & PowerPoint

Professional skills

  • Computer literate and able to learn new IT systems quickly
  • Ability to complete projects to a high standard
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Personal Attributes:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Personable and enthusiastic
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Interested in learning and developing new skills
  • Able to show initiative and work independently, without close supervision
  • High attention to detail
  • Flexible and willingness to undertake a range of tasks
  • Committed to Oxfam’s mission and values

Structure of the Internship:

The internship can be based either at the ONZ office in Auckland or Wellington or at a place convenient to the intern.

The SE Asia Programme Coordinator will support the internship and ensure all the materials and links with staff in Timor-Leste are provided, as well as provide more general careers advice and feedback on the intern’s performance.

September 2013