Interns
The term “Intern” refers to a person who is attached to Iwokrama as part of a capacity building arrangement. This arrangement is either with another institution or on an individual basis. Iwokrama interns can earn credits while gaining real-life experience and working to protect one of the last 4 pristine tropical forests in the world. Each year, Iwokrama will integrate internship positions into its work plans based on the availability of resources.
Interns work directly with an Iwokrama staff member but are expected to be self-motivated, creative, and willing to make a set time commitment based on project needs. Internships normally last from one to six months in duration at a minimum of 40 hours per week. Interns are expected to assist with basic office work. Upon completion of the internship project, the Intern is given an official letter of acknowledgement.

Duration, Availability and Timing

Internship projects vary in duration from one to six monthsInternship positions are normally advertised in April of each year, and the application deadline is set in that process. The results of the internship application process are communicated about one month after the application deadline.

There is greater flexibility in the timing of Volunteer projects. Applications for Volunteer positions are received, processed and responded to on a continuing basis, without any fixed dates.

Obligations and Privileges

Iwokrama will provide the following during the period of their assignment:

1. Administrative resources to effectively carry out the tasks under the assigned project
2. Interns and Volunteers will be eligible to participate in periodic activities of the Centre of an educational, capacity-building or collaborative nature such as Friends of Iwokrama presentations, and Foundation Day and public lectures
3. Interns are not staff members of the Iwokrama International Centre. An assignment as an Iwokrama Intern is a temporary appointment and is not designed to lead to a staff position within the Iwokrama International Centre.
4. Upon completion of the project and approval of a report on activities and any other report agreed upon during the initiation of the project, the Intern or Volunteer will be given an official letter of acknowledgement and the Volunteer will be given a Volunteer Certificate.

Internship Application

 To be considered for an internship, please submit to the contact below:

1. A cover letter stating why you are interested in interning at Iwokrama International Centre and what strengths you could bring to the organization.
2. Your résumé.
3. Two letters of recommendation and/or two references, and;
4. A proposal on the project you wish to complete either at the Iwokrama Forest or at the Georgetown Office. The proposal must include a budget, a summary, a list of specific objectives, outline of schedule and activities to be undertaken, and method chosen for disseminating results.
5. University Transcript – Official Copy

If you need more information, please contact:
Ms. Melina Kalamandeen  - Training Coordinator

Volunteers
The term "Volunteer" refers to a person who gives provides their services without compensation to Iwokrama. Volunteer positions are usually not advertised since volunteers are likely to pro-actively communicate with Iwokrama. Applications for voluntary work are accepted at any time. As an Iwokrama Volunteer, you will work to protect one of the last 4 pristine tropical forests in the world.
Volunteers work directly with an Iwokrama staff member and are expected to be self-motivated, creative, and willing to make a set time commitment based on project needs. Volunteer terms normally last from 1 to 6 months at a minimum of 15 hours per week - but successive project assignments and returning volunteers are welcomed! Upon completion of the project, the Volunteer is given an official letter of acknowledgement.
There is no salary or other compensation from Iwokrama to volunteers. A person who is sponsored by a charitable or voluntary organization, such as VSO or Peace Corps, is considered a volunteer.

Costs
Interns and Volunteers are expected to pay for their meals, accommodation, and transportation to and from the Field Station - at cost (i.e. nothing more than Iwokrama pays).

General Requirements
The following general requirements apply for persons appointed as Interns or Volunteers:

1. Minimum age of 16 years
2. Possession of appropriate residence or immigration status in Guyana
3. Possession of health insurance coverage.
4. Declaration, if any, of close relations to a staff member, such as husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister
5. Being in a state of good health (the appointee will sign a statement to this effect in accepting the appointment)
6. Fluency in English language

Interns and Volunteers are likely to work either in the Georgetown Office, the Iwokrama Forest, or in any of the neighbouring North Rupununi communities, depending on the assignment. In the latter two cases, Interns and Volunteers are expected to be able to cope with the rigours of field work and living under field conditions.

Appointment as an Intern or Volunteer is contingent upon clear terms of reference for an assignment, agreement by a senior staff to act as supervisor for the intern/volunteer, and the availability of support resources.