Global Forest Watch (GFW) Tech Fellowship 2018

Deadline: June 15, 2018

Are you passionate about technology and conservation? Apply for the first-ever GFW Tech Fellowship. Global Forest Watch (GFT) and the World Resources Institute are seeking tech innovators, journalists, conservationists, campaigners, law enforcement officers, lawyers, scientists, analysts, cartographers and indigenous leaders who are committed to expanding their forest monitoring experience and sharing this knowledge with others in their networks.

The Fellowship will scale the impact of GFW (a platform that has reached over one million users from every country in the world) by creating a cadre of changemakers and forest champions working on the frontlines of combatting deforestation. The GFW Tech Fellowship will equip the most innovative and dedicated forest protection advocates around the world with the skills and cutting-edge technologies to help halt deforestation.

Fellowship Details

The five-month Fellowship will run from July through December 2018. Fellows will participate in regular online meetings and trainings, and will receive tips and techniques to effectively train and share knowledge with others. At the beginning of the fellowship, Fellows are expected to develop a work plan with input from a GFW advisor. The work plan should include organizing at least 2 training activities in their respective countries, a proposal to teach a skill to other fellows, and regular participation in monthly meetings, the tech camp, and on a listserv with other fellows.

In September 2018 the cohort will come together in Washington, D.C. for a three-day tech camp to sharpen their skills on using GFW and other open source mapping tools, remote sensing and GIS, data collection and visualization, mobile monitoring technologies, storytelling and media engagement, and digital and personal security. Peer-to-peer learning within the cohort will be a crucial part of the program, so fellows will be encouraged to communicate and share skills and ideas with one another regularly throughout the fellowship and beyond.

Benefits

Each fellow will receive:

• Ongoing mentorship and training opportunities with GFW staff and partners
• A stipend of $6,000 USD
• Access to additional funds to support direct costs, such as in-country travel, trainings, equipment or conference fees
• Roundtrip airfare to Washington, D.C., visa costs, transportation and accommodations for the three-day tech camp
• Communication coverage in WRI’s newsletters, blogs and social media

Eligibility

• Fellow’s nationality is not restricted. But Fellowship activities must be carried out in one of the eligible countries.
• Fellows may come from government, the private sector, or civil society.

Five Fellows will be selected in 2018. The ideal fellow will:

• Offer innovative ideas on strategies to protect forests
• Exhibit passion for solving environmental challenges
• Understand the potential of harnessing technology for social and environmental good
• Maintain networks through which they will share skills and lessons learned
• Represent diverse genders, geographies, sectors and educational backgrounds
• Champion innovative solutions for tackling complex drivers of deforestation

Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their innovative ideas for using technology to protect forests, understanding of the potential for technology in forest monitoring, passion for solving environmental challenges, and networks through which they can share skills and lessons learned. GFW is also seeking applicants that represent diverse genders, geographies, sectors and educational backgrounds.

Application

Applicants will fill out a form describing their interest, relevant experience, and proposal for activities to be carried out during the fellowship. They will also need to provide a recent resume or CV and contact information for a professional or academic reference. Submitting a letter of reference is optional.

To apply, please complete the application and submit it no later than June 15th, 2018. The five fellows selected for this first cohort will be notified of selection by July 1st.

Please review the FAQs here and write to gfwfund@wri.org  with remaining questions.

For more information, visit GFW) Tech Fellowship.