Farm/Organics

Ecological Farming Systems Development Intern

Organization: REAP-Canada

Job Type: Internship

Location: Senegal,

Posting Date: Apr 30, 2012

Deadline: Jul 01, 2012

Website: http://www.reap-canada.com

REAP-Canada is an environmental non-profit organization based on the MacDonald Campus of McGill University in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. We work with farmers, scientists and donors to improve the sustainability of farming systems and develop ecological ways of producing food, fibre and fuel from farms both in Canada and abroad.

REAP-Canada has one Ecological Farming Systems Development Internship available for a February, 2012, start date for Senegal. This position requires determined, self-starting, committed individuals willing to work under extreme conditions. Successful applicants will be given a moderate financial stipend and their travel expenses are covered and they will gain experience in a demanding international environment.

To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program, an intern must be:

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; A post-secondary graduate - graduate of a degree or diploma program from a university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post-secondary institute or a CEGEP (collège d'nseignement général et professionnel); Out of school; Between the ages of 19 and 30; Unemployed or underemployed in their field of study; Legally entitled to work in Canada.

In Canada, successful applicants will start and finish their work experience in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec with REAP-Canada. Interns will support REAP's energy crop farming and bioenergy research and development program and do background research on West African farming systems. Interns will learn about participatory on-farm development, sustainable agriculture, bio-energy and climate change mitigation strategies through research, fieldwork and program outreach and development. There will also be a one week orientation / pre-departure workshop to prepare interns for their overseas activities and a debreifing workshop in Canada to complete their experience.

Overseas, the intern will further this knowledge where they will be based in Senegal with our overseas partner. The overseas term will begin with 4 weeks of intensive language training and cultural immersion. The interns will then work with local farming communities on ecological farming systems development to improve farm production and profitability while promoting sustainable natural resource management. Interns will work to expand local farmer-to-farmer training networks, and develop farm planning and farm demonstrations exhibiting diversified ecological farming and food production systems. Ecological Farming Systems Development Interns will be involved in farmer-to-farmer trainings and learning farm development exhibiting demonstrations for food self-sufficiency and gardening, plant improvement and seed conservation programs, nursery management, , soil fertility management and erosion control, reduced tillage, Bokashi organic fertilizer production, live fencing, agro-forestry and orchard and woodlot management and sustainable livestock management and fodder production.

To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program, an intern must be:

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• A post-secondary graduate - graduate of a degree or diploma program from a university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post-secondary institute or a CEGEP (collège d'enseignement général et professionnel);
• Out of school;
• Between the ages of 19 and 30;
• Unemployed or underemployed in their  field of study;
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.

Qualifications:

• Education or equivalent experience in Agricultural Science / Sustainable Resource Management / Environmental Science / Agroforestry
• Knowledge / experience in ecological agriculture, resource management, community and or international development, climate change
• Self-motivated, creative and able to work with limited guidance and supervision
• Excellent organizational skills with an ability to integrate information
• Proficient on the computer and skills in report /proposal writing and office management
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment under stressful conditions and achieve results
• Long-term commitment to international development
• Leadership and decision making skills with the capacity to motivate others
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work under rustic conditions (intense heat, basic diet and accommodations, etc.
• Strong constitution, good health and ability to work in rustic conditions (heat, basic diet and accommodations, etc.)
• Open to cross-cultural exchange of information and ideas. Experience working with other cultures an asset, as is an enthusiasm for learning foreign languages
• Fluency in French is a must

To apply please send your resume and cover letter to:

Meredith Kushnir, International Program Coordinator
mkushnir@reap-canada.com

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