Vacancy: Project Development Intern
About Acorn
Acorn supports smallholder farmers to transition to agroforestry and earn additional income from the voluntary carbon market. Using satellite‑based measurements, Acorn quantifies carbon removal and generates high‑quality carbon removal units (CRUs) that can be sold in the voluntary carbon market, providing farmers with access to additional income.
We partner with local partner organisations across Latin America, Africa, and Asia who work directly with hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers. Our mission is: ‘’Improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers by helping them to transition to agroforestry, plant additional trees and access income from the carbon market, and create long‑term climate impact at scale."
The role
As a Project Development Intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to innovative agroforestry projects that generate positive climate, environmental, and social impact within the Voluntary Carbon Market. Working alongside experienced colleagues and local partners in Brazil and Mozambique, you will gain hands-on experience in project certification processes and sustainable project development.
In this role, you will support project developers and the Project Development Team in coordinating activities related to internationally recognized carbon and sustainability standards. You will work closely with Portuguese-speaking stakeholders, helping to facilitate communication between local partners and our technical teams while building valuable experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.
During your internship, you will gain exposure to a range of project development activities, including:
Assisting in the drafting of Project Design Documents (PDDs) and other certification-related materials.
Contributing to Environmental and Social (E&S) assessments and safeguard documentation.
Helping to ensure project documentation is accurate, complete, and aligned with certification requirements.
What you will learn
This internship offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge of:
Carbon markets and climate finance.
International carbon and sustainability certification standards.
Environmental and social impact assessment.
What you bring?
You speak fluent English and Portuguese.
You have excellent intercultural communication and interpersonal skills.
You are enrolled in a Dutch University and are studying a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Sustainability, International Development, or a related field. If you have relevant coursework in carbon markets, we encourage you to apply.
Why join Acorn?
Be part of a fast‑growing impact organisation turning climate ambition into reality.
Work in a supportive, international environment that values innovation and ownership.
Help shape the future of smallholder agroforestry and carbon removal.
Grow professionally while contributing to tangible, global climate impact.
This is what we offer you?
A gross internship allowance of €500 per month based on a 40-hour work week.
The opportunity to learn and develop your skills within a friendly and supportive team.
A collaborative and inspiring work environment where you can gain valuable hands-on experience.
Regular team drinks and social activities to connect with your colleagues and have fun together.
How to apply?
Apply for the Acorn Project Development Intern vacancy at Acorn before August 15 by sharing your cv and motivation letter to: joost.hamelink@acorn.earth.
For questions about working at Acorn and the recruitment process: Annemarijn van Soest, HR Advisor, via annemarijn.van.soest@acorn.earth
