Gain a wealth of practical skills while helping ensure the survival of the ground hornbill
If you’re looking to gain broad experience in the nonprofit sector, and you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, this internship could be a perfect fit for you. It’s an opportunity to help with the development and sustainability of The Ground Hornbill Project, an important initiative that works to protect this iconic African bird from extinction.
As an intern, you’ll venture into the African bush to join a passionate team of biologists and conservation experts. Your role will be somewhat tailored to your skills and experience, but will likely include researching funding opportunities, drafting reports and proposals, assisting with monitoring and evaluation, and running digital marketing campaigns.
On top of this, there’s the opportunity to take on an exciting new project that, in partnership with local communities, develops and sells a range of ground hornbill-themed crafts as a funding stream. This initiative is in its infancy and needs development on all levels; an exciting and potentially highly rewarding project.
It’s a unique combination of field-based work and strategic development work, set within a stunning game reserve.
- Learning outcomes of this communications internship;
- A wealth of practical experience in fundraising, stakeholder management, research, business development, impact reporting, and strategy
- An in-depth understanding of the day to day running of a nonprofit organization
- Field-based experience in wildlife conservation
- International work experience
QUICK FACTS
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Cape Town, South Africa |
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Environmental NGO |
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Facilitation, Research, Reporting, Monitoring, Education, Tree planting |
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8 Weeks |
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Varies |
ORGANISATION
The Ground Hornbill Project is dedicated to ensuring the survival of the ground hornbill, an iconic bird that is classified as ‘endangered’ in South Africa. The threats to this iconic bird are multiple; their habitat is decreasing, they suffer from secondary poisoning, and they get electrocuted by transformer boxes. Moreover, ground hornbills are killed for traditional medicine, and sometimes targeted because of their territorial behavior.
To fight the drastic decline of the ground hornbill populations across Southern and East Africa, the Ground Hornbill Project has taken a multi-faceted approach that includes research, the provision of artificial nests, and the complex rearing and reintroduction of redundant second-hatched chicks that would naturally die of starvation. To fight misconceptions about ground hornbills, and reduce incentives for killing the birds, the nonprofit also runs education campaigns in local communities.
The Ground Hornbill Project is based in Mabula, a game reserve north of Johannesburg, but its work spans across the African continent. It’s the only organization fully dedicated to the preservation of the ground hornbill.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
What you’ll do
As a marketing and development intern, your tasks may vary depending on your skills and the needs of the project, but they will likely include some of the following;
- Do fundraising research and identify new funding sources and opportunities
Create funding proposals and grant applications - Design and manage digital fundraising campaigns
- Assist with monitoring and evaluation activities in the field
- Write impact reports and
- Help with donor relation management
- Help develop a new initiative; a fundraising mechanism that sells ground hornbill-themed crafts – made by local community members – to a wide audience
- Assist with strategy and management of marketing and communications
Requirements
- Strong research skills
- An ability to work on a strategic level, and to work quite independently
- A willingness to take on a variety of tasks
- Some experience in fundraising or digital marketing would be a plus
- Drivers’ license (you will have to do some driving and upon arrival you have to take a small test)
- A flexible attitude, as you’ll be living and working in the bush, where things can be unpredictable
- A passion for wildlife conservation and the work the Ground Hornbill Project does
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During this internship, you’ll get to live and work in a game reserve, surrounded by wildlife. You might wake up to elephants roaming past your room, lions roaring in the distance, and monkeys playing on the roof. The nearest town, Bela Bela, is about 45 minutes from the reserve.
Your accommodation is a five minutes drive from the office and you will have your own room, access to the common room, shared kitchen (where you can prepare your meals) and a swimming pool.
DATES & RATES
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,162
12 weeks USD 2,809
16 weeks USD 3,456
20 weeks USD 4,104
26 weeks USD 5,074
Remote internship: USD 525
What you are paying for:
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a single room
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision & support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with you and your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Excludes:
- Flights to Johannesburg
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
QUICK FACTS
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Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote |
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Wildlife conservation NGO |
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(Online)Fundraising, Research, Reporting, Business Development |
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Min. 8 Weeks |
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From USD 2,162 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote) |
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
”Everyone at the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project is so dedicated to the conservation of the incredible and unique Southern Ground Hornbill, on top of being friendly and welcoming. I had a great time interning at the project and learned a lot. I'm looking forward to visiting again.
Natalie, United States, Bird research & Conservation Internship
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain wide-ranging practical experience in development, fundraising, digital marketing, and relationship management
- Get experience in NGO management
- Help raise awareness for the plight of an iconic African bird
- Be part of a passionate and driven team of biologists and conservationists
- Live and work in the African bush, surrounded by a wealth of wildlife and stunning nature. Or enjoy the comfort of working from home if you prefer a remote internship
8 WEEKS USD 2,162
12 WEEKS USD 2,809
16 WEEKS USD 3,456
12 WEEKS USD 2,809
16 WEEKS USD 3,456
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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