Online Volunteer - Data Science and Sustainability

Job Posting Organization:
Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF) is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Established with the mission to empower young people and promote community development, MDF focuses on utilizing the talents of individuals through various initiatives, including dance, music, and drama. The organization aims to ensure equal participation of women in decision-making processes related to projects that address critical issues such as Ending Violence against Women and promoting Human Rights. MDF collaborates with various international experts and researchers to conduct scientific studies on environmental issues, including forest cover loss and coastal habitat conservation. The organization is managed by a committee that emphasizes gender equality in leadership and decision-making, ensuring that both men and women contribute to the foundation's objectives. MDF is committed to advancing sustainable development goals and addressing pressing regional challenges through its diverse projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position at Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is designed for individuals passionate about data science and sustainability, particularly in relation to mangrove ecosystems. Volunteers will engage in a research collaboration aimed at analyzing the response of mangroves to climate change scenarios over the next century. This role involves approximately 20 hours of work per week for a duration of 12 weeks, during which volunteers will enhance their research writing skills while contributing to significant environmental studies. The primary focus of the research is to utilize climate prediction techniques to assess the carbon sequestration capabilities of mangroves and their responses to various climate change scenarios. Volunteers will work closely with the MDF team, applying their data science expertise to support the organization's mission of promoting environmental conservation and sustainable community development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Selected online volunteers will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall research objectives of the Morobe Development Foundation. These tasks include:

• Conducting data analysis and programming tasks to establish and analyze climate change projections under different scenarios for the next century.
• Developing tools that simulate the response of mangroves to various climate change factors, such as sea level rise.
• Assisting in the preparation of journal articles, including drafting and conducting literature reviews.
• Supporting grant proposal efforts by drafting proposals and conducting relevant literature reviews. The overarching goal of these responsibilities is to understand how mangroves will respond to climate change and quantify their carbon sequestration potential, with the results intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Volunteers will be acknowledged for their contributions and may have the opportunity to be co-authors on the resulting publication.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess a strong background in data science, with specific expertise in data analysis and R programming. Additionally, familiarity with climate projection techniques and carbon emission modeling is essential. Volunteers should ideally have experience or knowledge in related fields such as forestry, sustainability, remote sensing, or environmental science. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute effectively to research projects is crucial. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are also important for drafting articles and proposals.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, with candidates typically expected to be pursuing or have completed a degree in data science, environmental science, forestry, sustainability, or a related field. Students who are considering applying for PhD programs are particularly encouraged to apply, as this opportunity provides valuable experience in research and publication.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a foundational level of experience in data analysis and programming, particularly with R. While prior volunteer experience is not mandatory, any practical experience in climate science, environmental research, or related projects will be considered an asset. The role is suitable for individuals who are eager to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context and contribute to meaningful environmental research.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in English. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position with a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks. The role is designed for individuals who are looking to gain experience in research and contribute to significant environmental initiatives. Volunteers will receive a certificate of acknowledgment for their contributions and may be invited to co-author the resulting journal article based on their level of involvement. The position is open to international applicants, and there are no specific notes regarding compensation, as it is a volunteer role.