It’s been six years since C4 EcoSolutions started recruiting Interns to nature and guiding them to launch their careers in climate change development. In 2023, the company will discuss a team of recent graduates and early professionals trained and focused on designing and implementing innovative climate change development projects. This programme is designed to benefit the world’s most vulnerable societies long-term.
The programme will be structured so that, in the first 3-4 weeks, the students will have an intensive training course, then after that, they will go through on-the-job training where they learn several key aspects of the job. The programme will be six months long, commencing February 2023.
C4’s team of consultants will host the training course. It will expose participants to the intricacies of climate change development, focussing on accessing climate finance through global funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Throughout the process, the internship training will draw on real-life examples and a series of theoretical exercises to foster a practical understanding of the development process. Training topics will include:
- an introduction to global climate finance;
- an introduction to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA);
- defining the climate rationale of a project;
- assessing climate change vulnerabilities;
- structuring a climate change project for the GEF and GCF;
- writing in the appropriate style for UN clients; and
- managing the project development process.
During the experiential learning element of the Internship Programme, interns will work directly with C4’s team of professional climate change and environmental consultants on live projects, receiving direct exposure to the practical aspects of project design and management. This exposure will enable the interns to become more deeply involved in project development during the latter part of the 6-month internship.
The programme aims to equip all participants with the skills necessary to actively contribute to project development and to have the participants join our team for the long term. While a permanent offer of employment after the internship contract is not guaranteed, C4 aims to advance staff from the internship programme to full-time employment wherever possible.
Criteria for selection
An Honours or Master’s degree in one or more of the following or related disciplines: Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture, Climatology, Environmental Management, Environmental Economics, and Environmental and Geographical Science.
Outstanding English writing ability – only exceptional writers will be considered.
An ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision at times.
Effective team player.
Optional criteria
Proficiency in specialised analytical techniques is beneficial, mainly statistical analysis, R, GIS and remote sensing.
Working proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Portuguese, and English.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be market-related for an Internship contract.
Application Process
To apply for the position, please send a motivation letter of a maximum of 300 words explaining why you feel you would be a good fit for an internship position at C4 EcoSolutions, along with a short CV and contact details of three referees to Robyn Erasmus (robyn.erasmus@c4es.co.za). The closing date for applications is 25 November 2022. Only applications that include all these components will be considered. We can only consider applicants who can work lawfully in South Africa. Foreign national applicants must submit a copy of their applicable work permit and their application.
The selection process for short-listed candidates will entail a rigorous writing test and interviews. C4 retains the right not to appoint people to the position or to change the details of the internship at its own discretion.