Geographical Information Systems Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has numerous offices and operations across the globe, working in diverse areas to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Intern position is designed for motivated individuals who are eager to support the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The internship is expected to last for six months, during which interns will engage in assignments within the Data Unit of UNOCC. This unit is responsible for conducting integrated analysis, modeling, and data engineering that informs senior UN leadership on critical issues such as country risk outlooks and crisis developments. Interns will play a vital role in producing GIS maps that serve various purposes, including operational support, advocacy, awareness-raising, and strategic planning. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global situational awareness and crisis management efforts within the UN framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with supporting the Data Unit by producing GIS maps for a variety of purposes. Responsibilities include conducting spatial analysis, assisting in data management, and collaborating with team members to ensure the effective delivery of geospatial products. Interns will also be involved in modeling and visualization tasks, contributing to the integrated analysis that informs decision-making processes at the UN. Additionally, they will participate in meetings and discussions to understand the operational needs of the UNOCC and how GIS can enhance situational awareness and crisis response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong competencies in teamwork, reliability, and communication. They should be collaborative individuals who are committed to supporting their teammates and achieving the team's objectives. Relevant coursework in GIS, remote sensing, cartography, visualization, spatial analysis, modeling, geospatial programming, and geospatial data management is essential. Candidates should also possess a strong understanding of geospatial technologies and their applications in crisis management and decision-making.

Educational Background:
A background in geography, environmental science, urban planning, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have completed relevant coursework that provides a solid foundation in GIS and spatial analysis techniques. A degree or ongoing studies in a related discipline is highly desirable, as it will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the Data Unit's objectives.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, candidates should have relevant academic experience or internships that demonstrate their knowledge and skills in GIS and related fields. Familiarity with geospatial software and tools is advantageous, as is any experience working in a team-oriented environment. Interns should be prepared to learn quickly and adapt to the dynamic nature of the work at the UNOCC.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another official working language. Proficiency in any additional official UN languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for covering their own travel costs, including visa fees, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses during the internship period. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates. The internship is flexible, allowing for in-person, remote, or hybrid work arrangements, and is part of a broader initiative to build a pool of qualified candidates for future internship vacancies.