Geospatial Sciences Internship

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Unit of Information and Technology Management (ITM) in New York is responsible for supporting UNDP Country Offices around the world with ICT solutions. Our Unit offers a stimulating and versatile internship in an international environment with contact to various partners from more than 170 countries with the UN and UNDP’s presence. We are a team that works in a dynamic and informal atmosphere, and we expect our interns to become vital members of the team.

We seek to promote the use of the latest technological advances and solutions across UNDP to further our global impact on the development efforts of the international community. Geographic Information Systems (GIS software) is a cutting-edge tool that can be applied to an array of our global projects related to the environment, energy, and poverty. The ITM GIS Team was formed to promote GIS solutions and expand its use in the planning and implementation of all relevant projects in our country offices and regional bureaux.

As an intern, you will also gain worldwide connections with other top-talented interns and UN staff from other agencies and be given tasks and opportunities that have a direct global impact on international development efforts.

Please note that this is a remote internship opportunity (working hours within North America EST zone 9am to 5pm)

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the team to develop:

• Technical and semi-automated solutions to project work benefiting from geospatial analysis, machine learning, and deep learning;
• Intelligent algorithms capable of learning, analysing and predicting future events;
• Web-based applications for various themes including change monitoring and forecasting;
• GeoAI models within ArcGIS Pro Environment for classifying and segmenting remotely sensed images in addition to object detection.

Support the team with GIS visualisation and design:

• Develop web-based applications, dashboards, reports, and sites that highlight the team portfolio;
• Use ESRI ArcGIS products and Microsoft products to communicate results including ArcGIS Hubs or Sites, ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS StoryMaps, ArcGIS Experience Builder App, MS PowerBI, MS SharePoint, etc.

Support the team with training and admin:

• Contribute to quality focused training material, procedures, instructions and templates.
• Assist in hosting webinars and in presenting/explaining data analytics and visuals to country offices, regional bureaux, local stakeholders.
• Provide GIS support when needed.

Duration: 6 months (1 October 2025 – 31 March 2026)

Competencies

• Data analytics and visualization: has experience creating data visualizations that compile technical information and communicate clear insights using as ArcGIS, QGIS and Google Earth Engine.
• Machine learning: has prior experience writing code and developing scripts for machine learning modeling and geospatial analysis, preferably using Python. Has knowledge on how to integrate Python code with ArcGIS Products (e.g. ArcGIS Notebooks).
• Technical writing: has experience writing content for blogs, websites, dashboards, or other communication tools
• Geospatial data: has a vast experience in geospatial data including vector and raster datasets, geo-tagged data, remote sensing data products including satellite imagery
• Communication: communicates effectively when working in teams and have a proactive attitude with a goal-oriented mind-set.
• International Development: knowledge of UNDP global efforts and an enthusiasm for working in an international organization.
• Collaboration: displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity, adaptability, interest and motivation in working in an international organization.

Required Skills and Experience

• You must meet one of the following requirements:
  • You are currently in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree; or
  • You are currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • You have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies in the field of computer science, data science, mathematics, engineering, geography, GIS or equivalent.
• Knowledge in at least two of the following fields is required: data visualization, data analytics, visual design, website design, Machine Learning, mathematical modelling, geospatial analysis, satellite data processing, programming
• Experience with gathering, consolidating and analysing data for visualization purposes from databases and reports is required;
• Knowledge in developing API scripts and multiple scripting languages is an advantage;
• Knowledge in either ArcGIS or Open-Source tools is required. Knowledge on both is an advantage;
• Interest in developing sustainable solutions for country offices, focusing on GIS and Earth Observation data

Fluent in written and spoken English is required. Working Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

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Important Application Information:
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How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

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