Details:

Mission and objectives:

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Internationally recognised NGO based in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea who has the vision to help young people reach their full potential by utilizing their hidden talents in community development initiatives so they can realize their potential and become a role model in the community.

MDF was established to address a broader and more diverse range of objectives and work through the use of dance, music and drama, MDF\xe2\x80\x99s primary aim is to ensure that women participate equally in decision making in any project undertaken, including projects related to Ending Violence against Women, and promoting Human Rights with a aim to support the Government and UN their Development Goals.

MDF, in collaboration with Online Volunteers engaged through the UNV\'s Unified Volunteer Platform (UVP), has also undertaken various scientific research studies related to the environment - forest cover loss, land use land cover change, the influence of various parameters on surface waters, and coastal shoreline turtle habitat loss. These projects included the participation of various experts and researchers from diverse fields across various countries across the globe - ranging from marine biology, biodiversity conservation, PNG community management, remote sensing, and land use policy among various others.

MDF is managed by a management committee, which is made up of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, the Treasurer, the Project Coordinator, Community Development Officer, and a male and female member of the foundation, and ensures that women participate equally in decision making.

We at MDF assert that we have the required skill sets, knowledge, established international network, and the necessary foundational work to undertake projects successfully.

Context:

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF), a not-for-profit organization in Papua New Guinea, focuses on sustainable community development, covering environmental conservation to women\'s rights. We utilize remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and conservation, including forest biomass, land use changes, climate impact assessments, and sea turtle habitat protection.

Currently, MDF seeks two online volunteers interested in mangroves and sustainable tourism. The role involves research that could benefit from understanding similar initiatives in Gulf countries, known for their innovative approaches in these areas. This research is crucial for MDF, as it will inform our strategies in PNG by integrating best practices from the Gulf, enhancing our efforts in sustainable community development.

Online Volunteers are expected to commit around 20 hours weekly for 12 weeks, contributing to research that supports MDF\'s mission while enhancing their own research writing skills. This is a unique opportunity to impact environmental sustainability and community development in PNG, drawing valuable insights from global practices.

Task type:

Research

Task description:

Morobe Development Foundation (MDF) Inc. is looking for two online volunteers who have expertise in research writing (e.g., articles, reports, proposals etc.) and a background in the field of tourism, forestry, mangroves, sustainability, remote sensing, or related areas. Selected online volunteers would be expected to assist the MDF team with literature review, journal article writing and grant proposal submissions.

The topic of the current research is: \xe2\x80\x9cEcotourism and mangrove conservation in Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries: Current trends and perspectives\xe2\x80\x9d. Experience with working on ecotourism and/or mangroves is highly preferred.

The results of this project will be included in a peer-reviewed journal article, and based on the level of contributions, the online volunteers would be acknowledged (with a certificate) and/or invited to be a co-author. Students looking into applying for PhD programs are highly encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

The ideal candidates should have demonstrated writing experience and have a master\xe2\x80\x99s degree or equivalent (e.g., bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with 3+ years) in an area related to tourism, forestry, mangroves, sustainability, remote sensing, or related fields.

Must have good communication and be very attentive, responsive, and proactive, as our projects are very fast-paced.

If you would like to be considered, please apply and provide a statement of purpose (~ 200-300 words) highlighting your experience with writing scientific articles/reports on the aforementioned topics and why you would be the best candidate for this role.

You can find some of our recent publications here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=IH-147kAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Work Hours: 16-20

United Nations