Science Program Intern – Lake Tanganyika Basin (Tanzania)

About the role

The Science Program Intern will support terrestrial and inland‑water activities in Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika Basin, focusing on forest and biodiversity conservation in the Malagarasi‑Muyovosi system. Working with the Lake Tanganyika Basin Water Board, Tanzania Youth Environmental Network, BLISS and local communities, the intern will combine biodiversity monitoring, acoustic data collection, and participatory mapping to inform landscape‑scale restoration and farmer‑led regenerative agriculture.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement structured acoustic monitoring in Ntakata Forest, manage recordings, metadata and secure storage.
• Support SMART patrol operations, provide device guidance, ensure standardized data entry and troubleshoot issues.
• Compile monthly SMART datasets, produce concise summaries and maintain an audit‑ready submission log.
• Lead participatory mapping to identify and classify existing and potential restoration zones using spatial layers such as land‑cover, riparian buffers, slope, erosion risk and proximity to water.
• Generate decision‑ready GIS products, documentation and monitoring guidance for adaptive management.
• Assist planning and community engagement for regenerative agriculture pilots to improve land stewardship and reduce pressure on protected areas.

Required profile

• Enthusiastic about biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
• Ability to work in field settings and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong organizational skills for data handling and reporting.

Required skills

• Acoustic monitoring equipment operation.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Data management and documentation.

What we offer

• Mentorship from the Lake Tanganyika MEL Specialist and Forest & Land Conservation Manager.
• Hands‑on experience in biodiversity monitoring, GIS and community‑based restoration.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful conservation and regenerative agriculture projects.