Intern

Terms of Reference: Community Water Vulnerability Assessment Internship

Position: One Health Intern

Location: Shillim Institute, Lonavla

Duration: 3 months

About Shillim Institute

The Shillim Institute (SI) is a private, not-for-profit organization located in the Western Ghats of India. Dedicated to conservation of natural and cultural heritage, regenerative development, and healing, the Institute aims to understand and design programs to improve the relationship between human civilization and ecology. Our programs are designed to translate this knowledge for use by academics, businesses, and policymakers. Going beyond the traditional environmental view of sustainability, the Shillim Institute recognizes the significance of the arts, economics, culture, and faith in nurturing sustainable communities.

Located in the Northern region of the Western Ghats, the Shillim Institute has been stewarding

approximately 2,000 acres of land declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top biodiversity conservation hotspot for more than twenty five years. Today, the Shillim Institute continues to conserve the Shillim Valley while extending its mission to generate ideas and facilitate positive action in the areas of environment education, conservation, policy advocacy, sustainability, and sustainable livelihood programs. Serving as the guardian of the valley, the Institute not only focuses on local projects but also collaborates with like-minded initiatives worldwide.

One Health Program

Community Water Resilience Initiative project overview

Objective and scope of work:

1. To identify and assess the key factors contributing to water vulnerability in the community.
2. To evaluate the current state of water resources, infrastructure, and governance.
3. To assist in developing a vulnerability assessment framework tailored to the specific needs of the community.
4. To assist in identifying potential risks and impacts associated with water vulnerability.
5. To assist in developing strategies for mitigating water vulnerability and enhancing water security.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities of the Interns

1. Conduct a thorough

   literature review

   of relevant literature on water vulnerability assessment, community development, and climate change and its impact on health

2. Gather data

   on water resources, infrastructure, population demographics, and socio-economic conditions in the community.

3. Conduct interviews and focus groups

   with local stakeholders, including community leaders, residents, government officials, and NGOs.

4. Assist in developing a framework

   for assessing water vulnerability, considering factors such as water scarcity, quality, access, and affordability.

5. Assist in identifying potential risks

   associated with water vulnerability, such as health hazards, economic losses, and social unrest.

6. Assist in developing strategies for mitigating

   water vulnerability, including water conservation measures, infrastructure improvements, and community-based adaptation plans.
7. Prepare a

   comprehensive report

   summarizing the findings of the assessment and outlining recommendations for addressing water vulnerability.

Interns Deliverables

1. Comprehensive vulnerability assessment report
2. Recommendations for addressing water vulnerability

Eligibility

1. Currently enrolled or recently graduated with a Bachelor&aposs/Masters degree in environmental science, social work, public health, or a related field.
2. Strong research and analytical skills.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Experience working with communities or NGOs is preferred.
5. Experience in data analysis (water quality parameters) and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, GIS).
6. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
7. Knowledge of Marathi is an added asset

Compensation:

How to Apply: