BESNET II Research Intern
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in poverty eradication, inequality reduction, and climate change mitigation. The BES-Net II project in Namibia, implemented by UNDP in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO, focuses on translating global science-policy knowledge into practical, country-level interventions. Namibia faces significant biodiversity challenges, and this project supports national efforts to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework and strengthen biodiversity governance.
Job Purpose
This Research Intern position supports the BES-Net II project's objective to enhance evidence-based management of invasive alien species (IAS). The role involves generating geospatial evidence on invasive cacti control measures and comparing the effectiveness of historical mechanical and biological interventions in Namibia. The intern will contribute to establishing a geospatial database, compiling and validating control information, and producing practical evidence to inform future IAS management, restoration efforts, and policy uptake. This assignment is conducted in close collaboration with national research institutions and under the guidance of UNDP, aiming to align research with national biodiversity priorities and contribute to the project's knowledge products and reporting.
Responsibilities
The Research Intern will establish a geospatial database on invasive cacti control by compiling and digitizing historical information on control measures in Namibia, developing a structured database with precise locations, species, methods, and dates, and preparing GIS layers and maps. Responsibilities also include data collection through stakeholder consultations and field verification, applying vegetation survey methods and GIS tools like QGIS for mapping and analysis. The intern will conduct a comparative analysis of mechanical and biological control effectiveness, identifying factors influencing outcomes and documenting lessons learned. Furthermore, the role involves knowledge management, preparing progress updates, contributing to project knowledge products, and ensuring proper documentation. The intern will also support BES-Net II monitoring and coordination by contributing to reporting, aligning research with national priorities, and participating in relevant meetings.
Work Experience
No minimum professional experience is required for this internship.
Skills
Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Proficiency in GIS tools, particularly QGIS, is also expected for mapping and spatial analysis.