Download job description - Oxfam New Zealand

INTERN JOB DESCRIPTION
Title
Pacific Livelihoods VCO Production Intern
Reports to
Country Director, Fiji and Poly/Micro
Duration
Part time – up to 4th October 2013
Start date
June 2013
Location
Oxfam New Zealand (ONZ) Auckland Office
Based on current programming with two partners in Tonga and Samoa on Virgin
Coconut Oil (VCO) production, there is limited information on the cost structure of the
VCO supply chain. Oxfam has identified the need to conduct a benchmarking
exercise across VCO producers in the Pacific region to provide a strong base for
negotiation of fair prices as well as to ensure VCO production is a viable business for
small producers in the Pacific.
Oxfam New Zealand’s experience is limited to work in Samoa with Women in
Business Development Incorporated who work with families to produce oil sold to the
Body Shop in the UK. Work in Tonga with TNYC was developed based on the
WIBDI model but with a different community and governance structure. For Oxfam to
play an increased role in market development and a facilitation role with partner
organisations on VCO, there needs to be better understanding of the global VCO
markets, prices and technologies to give creditability to Oxfams work.
Scope of internship
To provide analysis and a business case for Oxfam to support VCO production in the
Pacific.
To enhance Oxfams understanding of VCO supply chains and provide a platform for
further negotiations with domestic and international markets to allow the expansion of
work in the Pacific to support small holder producers.
This internship also offers a great opportunity for a current or recent student who
seeks to gain experience of the pacific development/business environment.
Primary responsibilities
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Provide research and document the supply chain for VCO in the Pacific including
current work with partners in Samoa and Tonga.
Provide research and analysis on VCO production, its profitability, economic
viability and benefits to producers. This will include price analysis from domestic
and international markets.
Identify main traders fro VCO and outlets in New Zealand and Australia.
Identify key areas where Oxfam can add value and play a facilitation role to
access markets for producer organisations.
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The following tasks are suggested.
1. Develop criteria for organisations and businesses to be studied – local and export
market, oil processing technique, community based enterprise
2. Map global VCO markets, volumes and prices for organic and non organic VCO.
Especially those that trade in the pacific.
3. Map markets for coconut products - type of products and market outlets.
4. Conduct interviews with partners, stakeholders, VCO traders/markets.
5. Desk review of ONZ reports and documentation.
 Review documentation collected to date on partners work in Samoa and
Tonga.
 Review partner reports and field trip reports by ONZ staff.
 Review partner folders and communication from MFAT related to this
programme, including budget information.
 Review reports from Otago University on WIBDI and TNYC.
 Review related Oxfam research e.g. Learning from experience.
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Contact partner organisation for information where needed.
Consult with key partners, ONZ staff and MFAT.
Liaise with ONZ PLLH team for data from field monitoring visits.
Review resource materials and manuals from International, regional, national and
private sector organisations including interviews.
Competencies:
Qualifications, knowledge and experience:
 Relevant qualification e.g. political science, development studies, international
relations, business studies.
 Experience working with supply chains in the Pacific is an advantage.
 An active interest in social justice, in particular the work that Oxfam
undertakes
 Experience working in an office environment in an administrative role would
be an advantage
 Experience of using Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
Professional skills
 Computer literate and able to learn new IT systems quickly
 Ability to complete projects to a high standard
 Strong verbal and report writing skills
Personal Attributes:
 Good interpersonal skills
 Personable and enthusiastic
 Organisational skills
 Ability to work within a diverse team
 Interested in learning and developing new skills
 Able to show initiative and work without close supervision
 Possess a high attention to detail
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 Reliable
 Flexible
 Committed to international development and social justice
Structure of the Internship
The internship will be a part-time role for up to 2 months, with possible extension
subject to need and performance. The hours are to be negotiated prior to
commencement of this contract but it is expected that hours should be as close to full
time.
The Country Director – Fiji PolyMicro will ensure that the intern is provided with
opportunities for learning about Pacific development work within an international
development NGO, opportunities for skills development, advice on career
development issues and regular feedback on performance.
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