The Pacific Institute in Oakland, California is accepting applications for an intern for the International Water and Communities Initiative (IWCI) for Fall-Winter 2011.

The Pacific Institute works to develop solutions to the related problems of environmental protection, economic development, and human health from the local to the international level. The International Water and Communities Initiative seeks to address the tremendous loss of health and life due to the lack of water and sanitation. The strategy employed by the Initiative is to release trapped knowledge in the water sector, so that it flows to those that need to make decisions to improve their health, and also bubbles up from community residents to support better planning and policymaking. A well-engaged citizenry can help hold governments accountable for their health, thus driving better management of water and other environmental resources. Our work directly engages communities; addresses key knowledge gaps in water and sanitation provision through the creation of tools; and is implemented on the ground in developing countries.

Details of the Internship:
The Institute is seeking an intern who has a mix of skills or experience to support program work in the International Water and Communities Initiative (IWCI). The IWCI Intern will work primarily on the WASH Choices Project, conducting research on existing knowledge resources in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. The Intern will also conduct research on potential knowledge-based partners with which we could collaborate to develop and disseminate the WASH Choices Tool.There will also be opportunities to work on the WASH SMS Project, which is developing an open-source mobile phone-to-web communication and tracking mechanism, as well as the Multiple Uses for Water Framework, which is documenting worldwide cases of Multiple Water Use (MUS) approaches.
 
Specific responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): conducting research through internet and email inquiry, writing analyses of knowledge resources and partners, assisting in strategy development, and creating and maintaining databases of research information.
 
The IWCI Intern will work 20 hours per week for at least 24 weeks beginning in late November 2011 (dates to be confirmed with successful candidate), reporting to the WASH Choices Project Manager and working with other Initiative staff members located remotely. The selected candidate can work remotely in either Albuquerque, New Mexico or the San Francisco Bay area, or in the Pacific Institute office in Oakland CA. The selected candidate should be willing to meet regularly with a staff member at the Albuquerque or Oakland office at least twice a month. The internship period may be extended based on mutual interest and need, up to a period of 48 weeks. 
 
Qualifications:
We are looking for a motivated person working toward or in a career in international environmental work, and the ideal candidate will have demonstrated interests in access to water, community or international development, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The successful International Water and Communities Intern candidate will:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have an appropriate mix of experience.
• Demonstrate through coursework or activities their interest and experience in water resource management, environmental management or engineering, or community or international development; or a combination of the above.
• Have excellent research and writing skills. 
• Have strong organizational skills.
• Have a demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• If working remotely, will have a sufficient set-up for regular work as a remote intern (own computer, internet access, Skype account).

Compensation
Compensation includes a monthly stipend commensurate with experience and/or training ($9-$12 per hour). The intern will receive professional development and mentorship from skilled researchers, catered to their career interests. The intern will also have access to internal brown bag meetings, which cover the latest topics in environmental justice, WASH, and other sectors. Upon successful completion of the internship, the intern will receive professional references.
Application Procedure
Please prepare an application with the following items:
1. Letter of interest of no more than one page detailing:
a) your experience and/or interest in international environmental work;
b) your interest in the work of the Pacific Institute (www.pacinst.org);how you meet the specific qualifications listed in the section above; and
c) where you saw the Intern Posting.
2. Resume
3. Writing sample which demonstrates your research and analysis skills, from within the last year
4. Name and phone number of two non-family references - work supervisor, professor, etc.
 
Email your complete application to: Ms. Jessica Adams, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , by Monday November 21st, 2011. Interviews will be conducted the week following the application close date and the selected candidate will start work in the first week of December.
 
No phone calls or mail, please.
 
Pacific Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.