Geospatial Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and is dedicated to providing reliable statistical information and analysis to support the global community in achieving sustainable development goals. Established to enhance the quality and availability of statistical data, UNSD operates in various thematic areas including economics, demographics, social statistics, and geospatial information. The organization aims to improve statistical capacity development and promote the use of statistics in policy-making. UNSD employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with member states and international organizations to advance global statistical frameworks and methodologies.

Job Overview:
The Geospatial intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern position is designed for individuals who are passionate about geospatial data and its application in statistical analysis. Interns will work closely with the Chief of a Section or a Geospatial Information Officer within the UNSD, contributing to various projects that involve geospatial data collection, analysis, integration, and visualization. The internship is structured to provide hands-on experience in the field of geospatial information management, allowing interns to engage in meaningful work that supports the division's mission. Interns will be expected to work full-time, five days a week, and may have the opportunity to extend their internship based on departmental needs. The role is primarily in-person at the New York duty station, but flexible work arrangements may be available depending on the circumstances of the successful candidates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that include conducting geospatial research, drafting written contributions for reports and technical papers, and preparing analysis and policy briefs related to geospatial information management. They will produce outreach materials such as maps, infographics, and social media content, and contribute to data storytelling and visualization efforts. Interns will assist in the design and management of geospatial data compilation and dissemination, support the development and management of geospatial information systems and databases, and help maintain geospatial databases and dashboards to ensure data accuracy and usability. Additionally, interns will perform other related duties as assigned, providing a comprehensive learning experience in the field of geospatial statistics.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R is desirable. While professional work experience is not required, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is strongly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required at a later stage of the application process. The educational background should be relevant to the field of geospatial information and statistics, ensuring that interns have the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the team's work.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include projects, research, or coursework related to geospatial data analysis, statistics, or information management. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain exposure in the field.

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

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is between 2 to 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.