INTERN – GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION, New York, United States
Are you looking for a Geospatial Information Internship UN that lets you contribute to global peace and sustainable development? The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) at the United Nations offers an impactful Geospatial Information Internship in New York, USA. This role provides a unique opportunity for you to gain practical experience within a leading international organization.
Opportunity Snapshot: Your Geospatial Information Internship
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Job Title: Intern – Geospatial Information
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Organization: Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT)
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Work Location: New York, United States (in-person or remote, full-time or part-time modalities considered)
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Expected Duration: 3-6 months, with a desired start in Summer 2025.
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Grade: I-1 (Internship – unpaid)
Remote US Geospatial Information Intern
About the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT)
OICT leads the digital transformation of the United Nations. Its mission: enable a better, safer, and more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT actively commits to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Therefore, we strongly encourage female candidates to apply for this position. Additionally, OICT supports work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.
About the Geospatial Information Section: The Core of Your UN Internship
This internship sits within the Cartographic Unit, Geospatial Information Section (GIS) of OICT’s Technology Operations Service, Operations Support Division. The GIS provides critical geospatial information and services. These support the Security Council, the Secretariat, and UN Peace Operations in their decision-making and operational needs. Furthermore, the GIS manages the program for UN field mission geospatial information operations. This makes it a crucial part of your Geospatial Information Internship UN experience.
Specifically, the Geospatial Information Section performs various key functions. For instance, it clears maps for the United Nations, adhering to UN Guidelines for map publication (ST/AI/189/Add.25/Rev.1). It also manages the United Nations GeoData and Second Administrative Level Boundaries (SALB) programs. Moreover, the section offers technical assistance on international boundary issues. Together with the Statistics Division of DESA, it handles Secretariat functions for the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Finally, it provides geospatial services, including map production, geospatial and terrain analysis, and other support to UN field missions, coordinating with the UN Global Service Centre (UNGSC) in Brindisi, Italy.
Key Responsibilities for a Geospatial Information Intern
As a Geospatial Information Intern, you will gain unique practical knowledge. This includes project and resource planning, alongside exposure to the full lifecycle of implementation and operations within the UN’s global information technology. Your duties will encompass a range of vital tasks, making this a comprehensive geospatial information internship UN opportunity:
Geospatial Service Delivery & Support for UN Operations
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You will provide geospatial information services to the UN Secretariat.
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You will offer cartographic and geospatial information support to the Security Council and the United Nations Operations Crisis Centre (UNOCC).
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You will also deliver geospatial information services to Member States.
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You will assist in clearing all maps published under the UN Secretariat, following UN Guidelines.
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Furthermore, you will support the preparation, production, and quality control of country profile maps and thematic maps for the UN Secretariat.
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You will prepare small-scale briefing maps and presentation materials. Additionally, you will conduct cartographic/geospatial presentations at Security Council closed consultations.
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You will provide the production of peacekeeping deployment maps.
Data Management and Analysis Contributions in Geospatial Information
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You will assist in maintaining the United Nations Map (UN map) geodatabase and Second Administrative Level Boundary (SALB).
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You will support research, collection, validation, and compilation of geospatial data, including place names for map and geospatial analysis products.
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You will assist in preparing geospatial analysis products for the Security Council’s Panel of Experts.
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You will also help develop and maintain geographic databases, including satellite imagery, as well as software applications that support UN Peace Operations.
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Finally, you will assist in developing geospatial products and services that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Collaboration and Network Engagement in Geospatial Information Management
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You will participate in activities related to the United Nations Geospatial Network. This ensures timely exchange of geospatial information within the UN Secretariat and UN System community.
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You will engage in activities related to leveraging geospatial information and technological solutions for UN Secretariat activities.
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You will assist in the timely exchange of geographic information between UN headquarters, UN field missions (including UNGSC), and UN Funds, Programmes, and Agencies (AFPs).
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You will also assist in supporting the Secretariat of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM).
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You will participate in activities related to the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names.
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Lastly, you will assist in research on international boundary issues, particularly disputed territories.
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You will perform other functions as required.
Qualifications and Special Skills for a Geospatial Information Intern
To qualify for a United Nations Internship Programme, you must meet one of the following requirements:
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Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); OR
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Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
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We welcome a broad range of educational backgrounds.
Additionally, the following are advantageous for this geospatial role:
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You should demonstrate an intention to pursue further studies or a career closely aligned with Information and Communications Technology, Information Management, Project Management, Business Management, and Service Management.
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Strong knowledge of Microsoft cloud technologies, including Office 365, SharePoint Online, and Azure, is beneficial.
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Knowledge of IT service Management (ITIL Foundation) and Project Management (Prince 2) frameworks is a plus.
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Proficiency in Office 365 tools or their consumer equivalents will be helpful.
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Experience utilizing business intelligence tools for data collection, consolidation, and analysis, including working with databases, Excel (Pivot Tables and queries), and Power BI, is an asset.
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An interest in developing sustainable ICT solutions with a focus on modern technologies is valuable.
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The ability to translate business requirements into effective IT solutions is also advantageous.
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A keen interest and understanding of customer-centric service delivery, emphasizing innovative enterprise ICT solutions, collaboration, and enhancing customer experiences, is desirable.
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An understanding of data management principles, encompassing real-time/streaming data, data warehousing, and data cleansing, will prove useful.
No work experience is required to apply. However, your training, education, advanced coursework, or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
APPLY NOW: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752804604735
Languages
English and French serve as the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.
Important Additional Information
Visa and Work Authorization Requirements for Your UN Internship
For internships in the United States, non-U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals not on another non-immigrant status (such as F1 or J1 visa) must obtain a G4 visa. The selected intern holds responsibility for securing a valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT) to undertake the internship. Therefore, successful candidates should discuss specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
Financial Remuneration Policy for UN Internships
Please note: The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Consequently, interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for all costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Geospatial Information Internship
Q1: What is the primary focus of the Geospatial Information Internship? A1: This internship focuses on providing practical experience in geospatial information services, cartographic support, and data management within the UN’s Office of Information and Communications Technology, contributing to UN Peace Operations and sustainable development goals.
Q2: Is this a paid internship? A2: No, this is an unpaid internship. Interns must cover their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.
Q3: What are the duration and potential start dates for this internship? A3: The internship has an expected duration of 3 to 6 months. The desired start time is Summer 2025.
Q4: Can I work remotely, or must I be in New York? A4: Both in-person in New York or remote work modalities will be considered, along with full-time or part-time options.
Q5: What are the eligibility requirements for this UN Internship Programme? A5: Applicants must 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 level or equivalent). No prior work experience is strictly required.
Q6: Are there any specific skills or educational backgrounds preferred for this internship? A6: While we accept a broad range of educational backgrounds, advantageous skills include strong knowledge of Microsoft cloud technologies (Office 365, SharePoint Online, Azure), IT service management (ITIL) and project management (Prince 2) frameworks, business intelligence tools (Power BI, Excel), and an interest in sustainable ICT solutions.
Q7: What kind of visa is required for international interns working in the USA? A7: Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents undertaking the internship in the United States will generally need to obtain a G4 visa. Interns are responsible for securing this visa and any necessary employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT).
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