Geospatial Analytics & Mapping Intern

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded with the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address humanitarian crises, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to tackle complex challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial Analytics & Mapping Intern position is designed for US-based applicants and will be conducted remotely from August 2025 to December 202

• The intern will work approximately 20 hours per week under the supervision of the Geospatial Technology Manager. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied GIS and Remote Sensing within humanitarian contexts, focusing on the specific needs of Mercy Corps teams and programs. The intern will learn to produce workflows in a cloud environment, utilize geospatial tools, and support internal capacity building efforts at an international humanitarian organization. The role emphasizes the importance of geospatial operations in enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian and development work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support the T4D Data Science team by developing tutorials, templates, and resources aligned with the agency's Cartographic Guidelines. Responsibilities include compiling and reworking existing guidance, creating new guidance, and scripting automated analyses. The intern will collaborate with program teams to develop a web map/application using ArcGIS Online, assist with ad-hoc analyses for T4D and other teams, and engage in various projects such as sourcing and preparing data for analysis, mapping remote sensing indices, implementing geospatial foundational models, and contributing to software packages for geospatial analysis. The intern will also support teams in creating maps for reports, researching new geospatial tools, and maintaining an inventory of geospatial resources across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing or have recently completed a university degree in a relevant discipline such as GIS, Geography, Remote Sensing/Earth Observation, Geoinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering. Applicants must be based in the United States. A portfolio or examples of geospatial applications created or contributed to is preferred. Educational experience with GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS) and programming in Python or Google Earth Engine is required. Familiarity with geospatial data formats and the ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical audiences are essential. Additional skills in cloud development, full stack development, and education/curriculum development are considered strong assets.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a university degree in progress or recently completed (within the last year) in a relevant field such as GIS, Geography, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering. Educational experience with geospatial analysis using GIS software is crucial, and familiarity with programming languages used in geospatial contexts is highly beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have educational experience in geospatial analysis and familiarity with GIS software. While specific professional experience is not mandated, any practical experience in related fields or projects will be advantageous. The intern should demonstrate a strong desire to learn and apply new skills in a professional setting.

Languages:
While no specific language requirements are mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory given the remote nature of the internship and the need to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is part-time, requiring 20 hours of work per week, and is funded at $1603.50 per month. The internship is remote, and applicants must be based in the United States. Mercy Corps emphasizes a commitment to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment. Interns are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to the organization's values and policies.