Environmental and Sustainability Intern

Position: Environment and Sustainability Intern
Organization: Manna Project International
Location: Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Duration: Short-term

About the Role:

Manna Project International is looking for passionate and dedicated young professionals to join our team as Environmental and Sustainability Interns, working alongside the indigenous Kichwa community in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador and helping to create programs to ensure sustainability in the rainforest and beyond. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute to essential sustainability initiatives while gaining practical, real-world experience in a dynamic and culturally rich environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with local ecotourism professionals and environmentalists to develop and implement environmental and conservation programs addressing the specific needs of the Kichwa community.
• Conduct assessments to identify prevalent sustainability solutions.
• Create and distribute educational materials on recycling, sustainability, and related issue areas.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on WASH, ecotourism, environmental preservation, cultural preservation, etc.
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of ecotourism programs to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
• Engage with community members to understand their relationship to the environment and how to best support.
• Support programming for children. 

Qualifications:

• Leadership experience
• Strong interest in the environment, environmental preservation and economic capacity building. 
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings.
• Basic proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Benefits:

• Acquire hands-on experience in economic capacity building and environmental work within a unique and challenging environment.
• Enhance your resume with practical experience that demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.
• Develop critical skills in project management, cultural competency, and sustainability.
• Improve your language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the Kichwa culture.
• Contribute to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the community.

Why Join Us?

This internship offers a rare combination of professional and personal growth. You will have the chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining valuable experience that will set you apart in your future career. Living and working in the Amazon Rainforest provides an unparalleled opportunity to broaden your global perspective, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make a tangible difference in the lives of the Kichwa people.

About Manna Project International:

Manna Project International (MPI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit empowering young professionals to apply their skills through community service. Operating in Ecuador, MPI employs a collaborative community-based model, addressing education, health, and livelihood development. Year-long volunteers, including Program Directors and Summer Interns, collaborate with local leaders to implement impactful programs.

Scholarships and Academic Credit are available 

All interns will be required to live onsite in the Manna House for safety and community building experiences. Some exceptions are granted. This costs $2,310 for 5 week session or $1,300 / month for 3+ months. This includes all on-ground transport, food, housing, wifi, tourism and cultural events, a professional development curriculum and certificate, as well as 24/7 emergency support. 

Manna staff holds fundraising training for interns who wish to fundraise for their living package or apply for grants. There are also scholarships available to students with demonstrated need.