Conservation Social Science Intern

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Social Science Intern will support the Africa Science Director in strengthening the use of social science evidence across the organization’s conservation programs in Africa. The role combines applied conservation social science support—particularly literature reviews and evidence synthesis—with administrative and coordination assistance to senior science leadership.

This internship provides hands on exposure to how social science evidence informs conservation strategy, program design, and organizational decision making in a large international conservation NGO working across complex, multi country African landscapes.– Specifically, the internship offers the opportunity to:

• Gain practical experience in applied conservation social science within a major international NGO.

• Understand how evidence is used at the science–policy–practice interface.

• Build skills in research synthesis, science communication, and knowledge management.

• Develop familiarity with conservation challenges across diverse African socio ecological and governance contexts.

• Work closely with senior science leadership and interdisciplinary teams (ecology, climate science, economics, and human dimensions).

The position reports to the Science Director (where reporting lines are referenced)

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 responsibilities and scope for this position are:

1. Conservation Social Science & Evidence Support

• Conduct structured literature reviews (systematic, rapid, or narrative) on priority conservation topics, including:

• Community‑based and locally led conservation

• Human–wildlife coexistence and conflict

• Governance, tenure, and land‑use change

• Social impacts, equity, and livelihoods

• Incentives, behavior change, and conservation effectiveness

• Identify, review, and synthesize peer‑reviewed literature, grey literature, and policy documents, with emphasis on African and Global South contexts.

• Prepare annotated bibliographies, evidence tables, and synthesis briefs to support internal learning, strategy development, and program design.

• Translate complex social science findings into clear, accessible summaries for non‑technical audiences, including conservation practitioners and leadership.

• Support drafting of background materials for:

• Theories of change and strategic frameworks

• Concept notes, donor proposals, and technical reports

• Internal guidance notes and learning products

• Assist with reference management, citation checks, and adherence to good practice in conservation social science.

• Track emerging research themes, methodological innovations, and evidence gaps relevant to conservation in Africa.

2. Administrative & Coordination Support

The intern will provide day‑to‑day support to the Africa Science Director and the Science & Conservation Impact Unit, including:

• Supporting meeting preparation and follow‑up, including agendas, background materials, note‑taking, and action tracking.

• Organizing and maintaining shared document repositories, reference libraries, and knowledge‑management systems.

• Assisting with coordination across teams by following up on inputs, timelines, and deliverables related to science and evidence.

• Supporting planning and logistics for workshops, learning events, internal reviews, and meetings (virtual and in‑person).

• Helping manage task lists, schedules, and priority trackers for the Science Director.

• Drafting, formatting, and proofreading internal communications, presentations, and briefing notes.

• Assisting with basic reporting tasks, including consolidating inputs from multiple contributors.

• Providing general administrative support to ensure efficient functioning of the science team.

The role may involve work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding environments.

What You’ll Bring:

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate training (completed or in progress) in a relevant field such as social science, conservation science, development studies, environmental studies, geography, economics, anthropology, or related disciplines.

• Demonstrated interest in conservation, sustainability, or human–environment interactions.

• Strong reading, writing, and synthesis skills, with the ability to summarize complex information clearly.

• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalents).

• 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.

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Desired Skills & Attributes

• Familiarity with conservation or development work in African contexts.

• Experience conducting literature reviews or academic research.

• Comfort working with academic and grey literature.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

• Curiosity, professionalism, and willingness to learn in a fast paced environment.

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.

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 [email protected]  with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.