Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM DEA/FSM Information Service): November 7, 2006 - The Department of Economic Affairs announces an internship opportunity for individuals to "Champion" the Micronesian Challenge and the FSM Protected Areas Network.

As a collaborative effort between the Micronesia Conservation Trust, the Nature Conservancy Program and the Economic Affairs, the environmental internship seeks "champions" to assist with the implementation of resilient networks of protected areas and other effective conservation strategies toward achieving the goals set by the Micronesia Challenge and the US Coral Reef Task Force.

The "champions" will work closely with Willy Kostka - the recent recipient of the PEW Scholarship, and Alissa Takesy - Coordinator for the National Protected Area Network (PAN), both of whom will assist the selected champions create professional development plans.

The selected champions will be placed in focal point organization or agencies within each State and therefore are expected to also serve as the State Coordinators for the Protected Area Network (PAN). They are expected to liaise with the local communities, state resources and environmental management agencies, and eventually expand into larger leadership roles within the focal points and/ or any resource agency in the four states.

Interested applicants must provide the following documents to the either addresses noted at the bottom before November 30, 2006:

A letter of interest (LOI) explaining why you are the best candidate for this internship. LOIs should not exceed two pages;

A support letter from an instructor/ advisor; and

List of References (minimum 3).