What We Can Achieve Together:
The Science Program Intern for the Lake Tanganyika Basin supports terrestrial and inland water-related activities in Tanzania, with a focus on improving forest and terrestrial biodiversity conservation in the Malagarasi–Muyovosi system. Reporting to the Lake Tanganyika MEL Specialist (with oversight by Africa’s Lead Landscape Ecologist), the role combines biodiversity monitoring and mapping with applied support for regenerative agriculture planning and community engagement. Working with the Lake Tanganyika Basin Water Board, Tanzania Youth Environmental Network (TAYEN), BLISS, and local communities, the Intern will support terrestrial biodiversity monitoring and strengthen evidence-based and science-informed land management practices that reduce encroachment into protected areas by promoting landscape-scale restoration and farmer-led regenerative agriculture approaches that enhance livelihoods, soil health, and ecosystem resilience.
Core aims for the internship include:
Strengthen biodiversity monitoring and data management (acoustic monitoring, SMART patrols) to inform protection and restoration actions.
Support participatory mapping and prioritization for restoration and tree-planting along the Ruchugi Riverbanks and broader Malagarasi-Muyowosi landscape.
Support planning and community engagement for regenerative agriculture pilots and uptake to improve land stewardship, reduce pressure on protected areas, and link sustainable livelihood options to conservation outcomes.
Produce decision-ready spatial products, documentation, and monitoring guidance to inform adaptive management.
We’re Looking for You:
The broad goal of this position is to deliver data collection support for improved forest and terrestrial biodiversity conservation. The intern will be supported and mentored by the Lake Tanganyika MEL Specialist, Forest & Land Conservation Manager, and partner organizations throughout the duration of the internship.
The responsibilities and scope for this position are:
A. Data management and biodiversity monitoring
Coordinate and implement structured acoustic monitoring in Ntakata Forest: retrieve recordings, ensure file management, capture metadata, and secure storage.
Compile acoustic outputs bi-weekly; ensure consistent naming, georeferencing/timestamping, and delivery to MEL Specialist and Forest & Land Conservation Manager.
Support SMART patrol operations: device/configuration guidance, standardized data entry, routine troubleshooting.
Conduct monthly SMART dataset compilation and prepare concise monthly summaries.
Maintain a submission log documenting dataset version, and corrective actions to ensure auditability and continuity.
B. Participatory mapping, restoration planning, and GIS outputs
Coordinate a participatory mapping process to identify, delineate, and classify existing and potential restoration zones in Malagarasi using spatial layers (land cover, riparian buffers, slope/erosion risk, degradation hotspots, proximity to watercourses, land tenure/use constraints).
Facilitate participatory mapping sessions with communities and partners to identify and validate tree-planting/restoration sites along the Ruchugi Riverbanks and adjacent degraded areas; ensure local knowledge and social constraints are captured and documented.
Integrate participatory outputs with GIS analyses to produce prioritized planting/restoration polygons with attributes (site name, village, rationale, approximate area/length, constraints/notes).
Produce clear, print-ready and digital maps and a short legend/notes package to support planning and implementation.
C. Regenerative agriculture planning and community engagement
Support the sustainable agriculture officer and Forest and Land Conservation Manager to design and implementation of regenerative agriculture support activities that reduce pressure on protected areas by improving on-farm productivity, soil health, and livelihoods. Activities may include: site selection for demonstration/pilot plots, co-design of low-cost regenerative practices (agroforestry, contour planting, cover cropping, mulching, reduced tillage, composting), and linkage to tree planting/restoration interventions.
Facilitate participatory planning with farmers, village leaders, youth groups, and local extension agents to co-develop context-appropriate regenerative agriculture plans and uptake pathways that respect local tenure and cultural practices.
Support community capacity building: prepare and deliver short trainings, demonstration sessions, or farmer field school activities (in coordination with partners such as TAYEN and BLISS) focused on regenerative practices, nursery management, seedling selection (native species), and erosion control along riverbanks.
Document socioeconomic considerations and barriers (gender, youth, tenure) and incorporate equitable participation approaches into planning.
Work with partners to identify incentives, livelihood linkages, and potential value chains to strengthen adoption and sustainability of regenerative practices (e.g., linking tree products, sustainable harvest, or market opportunities).
Help design simple monitoring indicators and baseline data collection to measure pilot uptake, soil/vegetation outcomes, and changes in encroachment pressure; integrate these indicators into the MEL framework and reporting routines.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor degree and 6 months of related experience
All TNC interns must be at least 18 years of age prior to starting their internship program.
Must come from a recognized institution of higher learning.
·All interns should be attached to duties relevant to their college courses undertaken.
Adhere to TNCs Code of conduct and conflict of interest policy.
Willing to travel and work in remote settings.
Must provide required paperwork: (i) Proof of University/College registration (ii) Application letter (iii) Curriculum vitae that include 3 references
Desired Qualifications:
BA/BS in natural science or equivalent
Fluent in English and Kiswahili
Strong ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Strong data management and statistical skills.
Demonstrate knowledge and some experience in marine science and conservation especially on mangrove forests.
Past participation in community and/or professional meetings and trainings related to their thematic area and role.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
