REMOTE AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN GHANA

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

JOIN AN INNOVATIVE GHANAIAN PROJECT FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT

We’re excited to offer this agroforestry research internship with an innovative Ghanaian project focused on sustainable land management.

You’ll be part of OKO Forests, a young but fast-growing project based in Ghana that aims to rehabilitate landscapes by creating agroforestry buffer zones in strategic places. Their thinking is large scale, and their aims ambitious. OKO Forests works in collaboration with European universities to create innovative approaches to reforestation and sustainable land management.

As an intern, you’ll use your academic background to do research that will contribute to OKO Forests’s overall mission. The focus of your research will depend on your particular skills and knowledge, and the needs of the organization at the time you’ll join, but possible topics are adaptation to climate change with planting programs, mitigation of the impact flooding and droughts could have on the project’s areas, and relevant vegetable cultivation within agroforestry areas in Ghana.

As this is a remote internship, you’ll have the flexibility of working remotely, but the opportunity of adding international work experience to your resume.

ORGANIZATION

OKO is a project on a mission to sustain landscapes through the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. Based in the heart of Ghana, the OKO team develops innovative agroforestry systems, provides training for groups of local farmers, and finds routes to market for produce. The overall goal is to increase farmers’ yields, improve soil fertility through the adoption of agroforestry practices, and implement sustainable practices at a large scale.

After two years of intense research, OKO was launched in 2016. Their vision is to create replicable models that can be used across the tropics to rehabilitate landscapes at scale. A current key focus is on protecting forest reserves through the establishment of commercial agroforestry buffer zones that create wealth for the communities who live adjacent to the protected sites.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As an agroforestry research intern, your tasks will mostly be focused on research that will be customized to your experience. Your tasks will likely include:

  • Defining a relevant research topic that will provide valuable information for OKO Forest’s program
  • Conducting your own research project, while assisted by the team in Ghana
  • Assisting with other tasks within the organization, such as writing online content, writing impact reports, and assisting with stakeholder management

Requirements

  • Relevant academic background
  • A strong interest in agroforestry and an innovative approach to your work
  • An ability to work independently
  • Analytical thinking and strong reasoning skills

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

Placement fee USD 525

Inclusions

  • 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.
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your internship
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Ghana.

What can I expect from an internship in Ghana?

During your internship in Ghana you will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with diverse teams, develop new skills, improve your problem-solving abilities, and strengthen your teamwork and communication skills. You’ll also be able to create a strong, professional network of people with various backgrounds.

Is it expensive to do an internship in Ghana?

No, not by Western standards. The cost of living is significantly lower than Western cities. However, the major development in the capital city, Accra, has caused the costs to rise in recent years compared to other destinations in Africa.

Can I receive university credit for an internship in Ghana?

Yes, but you must ensure with your university that your supervisor approves this. It is also possible to purchase transfer credits that can be added to your internship.

Am I able to receive a stipend during my internship?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to receive any form of compensation. Your internship will be unpaid while working with the nonprofit organization, so we’ve included some ways to fund your internship here. The chances for professional and personal growth, along with the wealth of new knowledge you’ll gain, are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Environmental NGO
TASK FOCUS: Forestry, Agriculture, Research 
LENGTH: 8 Weeks
COST: USD 525 (2023)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy the opportunity to contribute to an ambitious project through your research
  • Get practical work experience with an African-based environmental program
  • Gain insights into sustainable land management in an African context
  • Be a big part of a small team and really see the results of your work
    Gain international work experience while working from home
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

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.

GET STARTED

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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