Project Intern – Circular Economy Initiative at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

Reports to: Programme Officer – Circular Economy Initiative
Location: Ukunda, Kwale County, Kenya
Duration: 4 months

Position Summary: 

Plastic waste is choking our planet – polluting the air, water, and soil. As this crisis spreads to every corner of the globe, WWF is leading the charge to help reimagine how we source, design, dispose of, and reuse the plastic materials communities most depend upon. WWF is fighting for a world with no plastic in nature by 2030. The initiative works under the three pillars of promoting business innovation, supporting cities’ transition to plastic smart cities and working with governments to develop policies that promote a plastic circular economy.
It’s a world where people and nature thrive together. Join us.

Major Function:

Support the implementation and research of an effective Circular Economy Initiative programme strategy including proactive engagement with ongoing projects on  in WWF-Kenya with a vision of No Plastics in Nature by 2030
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work in close partnership with plastics circular economy initiative team to develop and implement WWF-Kenya’s plastics circular economy strategy
• Stay updated on the market situation for the plastic circular economy in Kenya. Including collection rates, recycling rates, value chain analysis, laws and regulations, production volumes, prices, trends, etc
• Support in strengthening institutional capacities of stakeholders in the plastic recycling value chain in Coastal Kenya and ensure they are effectively participating in the plastic circular economy. This includes facilitating training of the various stakeholders in plastic recycling value chain in Coastal Kenya including collectors/sorters/recyclers
• Develop reports based on specific project implementation outputs.
• Support communities to gain access to information, resources, other relevant stakeholders and opportunities that are likely to empower them to promote a plastic circular economy
• Remain abreast of topical developments and scientific studies related to plastics circular economy that would promote community participation in improving the plastic value chain
• On behalf of WWF-Kenya, establish good working relationships with local communities and their leaders, and endeavour to uphold the reputation of WWF
• Maintain/strengthen the institutional linkages already established, with communities at the project site level and support conservation group activities and self-help projects aimed at alleviating poverty
• In collaboration with WWF-Kenya Communications Unit, contribute to periodic publications and features on community engagement
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Plastics Circular Economy Initiative Programme Officer and the Coastal Kenya programme Manager
• In all activities ensure, and support others to uphold WWF’s social policies https://wwf.panda.org/our_work/people/people_and_conservation/wwf_social_policies/

Profile

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A graduate student OR recent recipient of bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Natural Resources or Environmental Management or Project Management or Ecology or any other related field. 
• At least 3 months to 1-year work experience in natural resource management, waste management, recycling or petrochemical or polymer industry.
• Knowledge and experience of working with rural and urban communities and government agencies will be essential
• Good analytical and communication skills both verbal and writing, good presentation and interpersonal skills
• Creative, innovative, “thinking out of the box” mentality, solution finder
• Agile, self-starter with an ability to work autonomously
• Team player that thrive in cross-departmental cooperation
• High mobility, willingness to travel and open to other cultures
• Fluent and elaborate speaker in both English and Kiswahili

Required Skills and Competencies

• Basic knowledge of all grades of plastics, their end uses, and market purchase and sale values
• Basic understanding of the supply and demand cycles and market influence factors, competitors and trade prices of the plastic value chain
• Basic knowledge in the fields of natural resource management, plastic waste, waste hierarchy, sustainable consumption, circular economy and material cycle is an added advantage
• Basic knowledge of financial reporting, especially of project tracking and reporting of expenditure
• Adaptable, flexible, able to take initiative and prioritize among competing demands
• Adherence to WWF Kenya’s core values, which are: Credible, Responsive, Innovative, Determined, Inspiring & Collaborative.

Working Relationships

Internal:  Interacts frequently with Programme Managers, Coordinators, Projects Officers, Consultants, researchers and All WWF-Kenya staff
 
External: Interacts frequently with WWF Regional and International staff, Government ministries, departments and agencies, CSOs, Private sector, Professional bodies, development agencies, other NGOs, INGOs and donors.
 
This job description covers the main tasks. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.