Collaborative Biodiversity Conservation and Management Programs

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: As soon as possible

Description: The People, Resources, and Conservation Foundation (PRCF) is a non-profit, non-government organization that promotes conservation, protection, and wise use of natural resources with sound social and economic development. The PRCF works with rural populations in developing countries, particularly with communities living adjacent to protected areas, remnant forests, and degraded lands and grasslands.

PRCF stakeholders realize that local communities are integral to the success of nature conservation and community development programs. Therefore the PRCF advocates community participation and environmental conservation in its natural resource management program. Activities that change the cultural identity or social structure of local populations or negatively affect the natural environment are rejected and discouraged.

Through its field programs, the PRCF motivates local people to preserve and enhance their traditional self-respect and identity. Communities are encouraged to be active and responsible in all development activities. This includes participation of stakeholders in needs assessment, planning, implementation, and progress monitoring. To reinforce this participation premise, active members in PRCF community development programs are regarded as "project owners". Collectively, they share the responsibility of all labor inputs and most of the materials needed to complete their projects. The PRCF provides technical assistance through training and extension, and facilitates initial funds to purchase project materials and establish village-level institutions.

PRCF seeks volunteers or interns in a wide variety of areas who are interested in of biodiversity conservation outcomes achieved through collaborative management intitiatives with communities. We are particularly interested in working with volunteers/interns in the following areas:

1) Agroforestry and forestry;
2) Ecological restoration including forest stewardship;
3) Wildlife surveys;
4) Environmental awareness and encouraging behavioural change;
5) Institutional development including community based organisations and self help groups with the Foundation and partner institutions in South-East Asia;
6) Micro-credit/finance;
7) Strategic planning and fund raising;
8) Biological Research

Qualifications: Candidates must possess the following qualifications:
* Two years of professional experience in their field of interest in the NGO and development related field;
* For university students: must be studying subjects related to the core activities of the PRCF, have completed at least two years of their degree and have aspirations to work in the professional area post-study.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: Please inquire for the specifics.

Salary / Pay: Please inquire for the specifics.

Experience Required: yes

Typical Volunteer: Professional, industrious, able to work independently and offer skills in any of the above job/intern Types poistions, however, with a focus on delivering biodiversity conservation interventions.

Age Range: 24 - 35

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF)'s Mission Statement: To strengthen local participation in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions, through measures that address the protection and wise use of natural resources and the socioeconomic development of affected communities.

Year Founded: 1995