Internship – Forests Policy at CDP

Location: Berlin, Germany
Duration: 3 months – starting January 2021

CDP’s work on forests aims to remove commodity-driven deforestation from corporate value chains and to improve global understanding of deforestation-related risk. We provide the only platform where companies can disclose on the commodities most responsible for deforestation globally: timber, palm oil, cattle products, soy and rubber.

The CDP Policy Engagement team works in a collaborative way to address any CDP policy and public affairs activity that is coordinated centrally, by working closely alongside a variety of internal teams and external stakeholders. This role is at the intersection of the organization’s work on Policy and Forests. You will support the Global Policy Team in implementing our forests and policy strategy, researching on current developments in commodity driven deforestation, international climate and biodiversity policy.

Role, purpose and background:

This internship is ideal for someone seeking to put into practice their research and policy skills. You will get to grips with the latest trends in corporate deforestation gain detailed insight into how various sectors and commodities are driving deforestation and explore the latest solutions to safeguard forests. You will also contribute to CDP’s engagement in global climate and biodiversity policy at COP25 and COP15.

Your role includes:

• Researching case studies of corporate deforestation management;
• Creating content on sector and commodity deforestation risks and impacts;
• Researching current developments in international climate and biodiversity policy;
• Data analysis;
• Assisting team members with research or administrative tasks, as and if they arise.

Your profile:

• Enrolled student in a Bachelor or Master’s programme at a German university, preferably focused on environmental policy;
• Must be a mandatory internship within your studies (Pflichtpraktikum);
• Passionate about Sustainable Development and connected topics, such as Climate Change, Biodiversity and Forest protection;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (esp. Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and understanding of database architecture;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams;
• Demonstrate a high level of dedication, flexibility and resilience;
• Highly competent spoken and written English and any other major European language;
• Ability to communicate complex analysis and arguments in a concise, easy to follow manner;
• High detail orientation and an eye for consistency and accuracy;
• Motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working, personable;
• Able to work against deadlines.

Desirable skills and competencies:

Previous experience on deforestation issues, either through internships, work or education.

What we offer:

• Exciting and challenging tasks in an international team with flat hierarchies and quick decision making;
• 200 Euro per month internship compensation;
• 7,5 vacation days for the internship period of three months;
• Flexible working hours;
• Modern office at Sony Centre/Potsdamer Platz with free hot and cold beverages. Note that due to the current situation, it can be required to work remotely.

You will report to the Policy Officer, Forests and to the Senior Global Policy Manager Forests. You will receive an induction, on-the-job training, coaching and one-to-one support. Interns will get an insight into how an international environmental NGO operates with the opportunity to attend meetings and ask questions. The position is open only for candidates enrolled at a German University and who are able to work legally in Germany.

Days per week: We will be flexible in our approach and discuss your internship hours with you. We are looking for someone to be available for 40 hours a week.

Interested? To apply please email your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the required skills and competencies, which should be no more than one page, in English, to [email protected] with ‘Your name_Policy and Forests Internship’ in the subject line. The deadline is [6pm (CET) on Monday 4^th January]. The expected start date is 25^th January 2021.

Before you apply, we’ll only use the information you provide to process your application. For more details on how we use your information, see our applicants privacy notice. By emailing us your application, you are permitting CDP to use the information you have provided for recruitment purposes.

Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates due to the sheer volume of applications. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.