GATWAZA Olivier Clement is a PhD student at Beijing Forestry University (BFU) majoring in Landscape Architecture. He is also doing a one-year internship at International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) since September 2020. The following paragraphs relate his personal experiences about his work at INBAR.

1.HOW TO GET INTERNSHIP AT INBAR

For more than two decades, INBAR has been at the forefront of researching and applying bamboo and rattan’s uses for sustainable development. Bamboo and rattan are increasingly recognised as valuable plants and non-timber forest products, with the potential to contribute to many of the most pressing global challenges. From time to time, INBAR offers internship opportunities for students who want to broaden their knowledge in the fields of bamboo resources, product development and trade. In summer 2020 INBAR needed an intern to work with Membership Affairs, Communications and Outreach, and Global Programme Departments for specific tasks hence launched a vacancy notice on its websitehttps://www.inbar.int/fr/about-inbar/travailler-a-linbar/requesting interested candidates to send their application files tohr@inbar.intor through INBAR partnering institutions such as BFU until 31 July, 2020. The application file had to contain a CV and a cover letter demonstrating relevant experience as described in the job description. Short-listed candidates were contacted for interview and written exam both of which took place on the afternoon of August 13th, 2020 at the INBAR headquarter in Beijing and focused on the respondents understanding of INBAR’s mission, their French language ability, and data management and analysis skills. The work started on September 01st, 2020 and since then serve as the Data Management and Analysis Assistant.

2.JOB DESCRIPTION AND ATTRIBUTIONS

INBAR is developing a book about state of bamboo and rattan in the world that would summarise bamboo and rattan’s distribution and uses globally, and in specific regions of the world. It would also review the most recent developments in bamboo and rattan’s uses, and provide an outlook on the future development of the bamboo and rattan sector. One of the main attributions of the intern is to support the development of that book.The second main task is to work with the Communications and Outreach Department through its mission to convey INBAR’s message, especially into French Speaking Countries. Other tasks include:

Assisting to review existing data, collect additional data and analyse data of bamboo and rattan information in the Member States and set up the database; data include but not limited to: bamboo species and their distribution, bamboo trade data, bamboo development related policy and regulations, bamboo products standards, etc.;

Preparing data collection questionnaires and liaison with national focal points for data collection;

Translating collected data into English language;

Assisting to develop national bamboo reports and state of bamboo and rattan in the world;

Helping to update the INBAR website with French contents translated from English;

Undertaking other relevant assignments as instructed by and agreed with Supervisors.

3.JOB GAINS

INBAR being an intergovernmental organisation that promotes environmentally sustainable development using bamboo and rattan directly contribute to at least six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms; SDG 7: Provide affordable, sustainable and reliable modern energy services for all; SDG 11: Access to adequate and affordable housing; SDG 12: Efficient use of natural resources; SDG 13: Address climate change; SDG 15: Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems to its 47 Member States many of which are located in Asia, Africa and Latin America, hence play important role in livelihood development and poverty alleviation in the rural areas of many developing countries, through promoting safe, resilient bamboo construction; restoring degraded land; capacity-building; and informing green policy and Sustainable Development Goal objectives. Some of the gains of working in such an international environment are:

Sens of responsibility: To an extent, university also helps develop self-reliance. You are encouraged to find your own answers and build your own path. But applying this skill in an academic environment is entirely different from doing it in the workplace. At work nobody always stands up to remind you of what to do. Your maturity is expected by anyone around you since day one, it is your responsibility to think, ask and find ways to resolve encountered challenges and prove that you deserve that trust;

Teamwork: In order to succeed in your work, one’s intellect needs other people’s life experiences, different opinions, and other work experiences to produce more successful results;

Work Ethics: A strong work ethic, honesty, respect of copyright, and integrity are an important part of your being successful in your career;

Adaptability skills;

Communication skills;

Time Management: Work requires dairy punctuality and constant attention to tight schedules and deadlines, which makes it an attribute that progressively enter the lives of workers.

4.HOW THIS JOB HELP CREATE ONE’S PERSONAL GROWTH

I feel very privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to join hands with the INBAR community, such a large global network of really dedicated bamboo and rattan advocates. INBAR gives an exchange and discussion platform to a large group of amazing people of different backgrounds, from different parts of the world to talk about global challenges (such as climatic crisis, clean energy, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, poverty, pollution, unemployment, natural resource depletion, etc.) and exchange innovative skills on how bamboo and rattan can be used to resolve many of them. With such a variety of people, I got to locate myself and understood what role I can play in the promotion of sustainable development.

Specifically, the work helped me to:

Create a Personal Development Plan;

Stay honest with myself;

Find a mentor to push me forward.