produced products, meaning products that respect the environment and improve peoples’ lives. We act on the ground internationally in forests, farms and factories to help resource managers learn best management practices. We are active at key stages of the supply chain, providing unrivaled technical, traceability and communications support. We currently have offices in 14 countries and employ 90 people worldwide, the majority of whom work in developing and emerging nations.

With an increasing number of global activities planned for 2011, we are currently looking for a dynamic and flexible individual to work as an Intern at our Global Operations branch office in Seattle, WA; USA. The position is full time with periodic travel required, 3 – 6 months negotiable with potential for hiring at completion.
Tasks and responsibilities:

As a Global Operations Intern, you will work under TFT’s Global Operations Senior Manager to assist in activities involving wood, palm oil, pulp and paper, and other supply chains impacting forests. You will liaise with our field teams in Asia, Africa and South America.
Key tasks include:

• Community Forest Program Coordination– Support management of TFT’s Community Forestry Program, working with smallholders on group certification. Work involves developing strategy, awareness raising, supply chain development and proposal writing

• Systems Development Support – Work with the Senior Manager to develop and deploy global systems for developing corporate responsible sourcing guidelines, and assessing suppliers against companies’ responsibility requirements.

• Support Senior Manager to develop toolkits for work, especially on social issues (such as Social Impact Assessment, and support of indigenous people’s rights) with forest and plantation managers internationally.
Other general tasks include:

• General project management, monitoring, planning, and reporting;
• Monitor financial management and planning of project budgets and expenditure;
• General communications and client relations;
• Contribute to publications; reports, website, newsletters, studies, etc;
• Conduct targeted research on priority new business areas as required;
• Prepare informational seminars and attend project meetings;
• Assist with business development and securing ongoing funding for projects.
• Other administrative tasks as needed.
Education, qualifications, skills, experience:

REQUIRED:

– University degree or higher level qualification in a field related to natural resource management, anthropology, sociology, business or international development; Masters degree preferred;
– Strong writing, editing and formatting skills;
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; MS Visio proficiency a plus;
– Good understanding and high interest in environmental and social responsibility issues and, ideally, forest-related issues;
– Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
– Fluency in written and spoken English (other additional languages an advantage);
– Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;
– Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally;
– Able to work flexible hours (outside 9-5 workday), as required;
– Able to handle multiple tasks and work autonomously;
– Flexibility, ability to show initiative and a positive attitude;
– Eager to continually learn and develop as part of a team;

PREFERRED:

– Knowledge of palm oil, forest management and certification;
– Experience working or volunteering in developing countries;
– Understanding of business supply chains and sourcing issues;
– Understanding or experience in working with cooperatives, smallholders and communities;
– Only candidates with US nationality, Green Card or valid work permit will be considered.
What we offer:

• A unique work experience in a fast-growing and dynamic non-profit directly impacting the conservation of the world’s environment and improvements in human rights and social equity, through trade;
• A dynamic international environment with the chance to work in a multi-cultural team;
• Opportunity to gain advanced project management, client relations and business development skills, with exposure to many diverse tasks;
• The successful candidate may be considered for a full time position upon completion of the internship.
Remuneration:
• A monthly stipend will be provided.