BACKGROUND ON IMPACT AND REACH
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two International NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.
IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis and GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO whose headquarter is based in Paris and is present in thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, enabling IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support on its fields of intervention.
We are currently looking for a GIS and Remote Sensing Intern to support our team in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt):
Position: GIS and Remote Sensing Intern
Contract duration: 6 months
Location: Amman, Jordan
Starting Date: 1st August 24
COUNTRY PROFILE
Following the attacks on 7 October 2023, and Israel’s subsequent aerial and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) has deteriorated markedly. The 2.2 million residents of the Gaza Strip are facing severe humanitarian challenges, with urgent needs that must be addressed to avert further loss of life. Additionally, the hostilities in Gaza have heightened tensions in the West Bank, impacting freedom of movement, livelihoods, and the broader humanitarian context.
Against this backdrop, IMPACT Initiatives is planning a range of research activities to support an evidence and needs-based humanitarian response. In previous years, IMPACT Initiatives has facilitated inter-agency Multi-Sector Needs Assessments (MSNA) as well as sector-specific research in the oPt.
POSITION PROFILE
IMPACT is seeking a candidate with technical background in the GIS/Cartography/Remote Sensing sphere. More specifically, the candidate should have knowledge on analysis of satellite imagery with different spatial and spectral resolution. The candidate should understand concepts of cartographic design and have some experience in presentation of the results of spatial analysis using mapping products.
Under the supervision of the GIS Officer, with technical guidance from the HQ Remote Sensing Specialist, the GIS Intern is responsible for supporting geospatial analysis and mapping to support research products for oPt. The GIS RS Intern will support the oPt team in the application of geographic information systems, including relevant aspects of research design, support in designing data collection tools, geo-spatial analysis, and drafting of maps. In coordination with the relevant Managers and Specialists, the GIS Intern is required to support assessment planning in line with project and program objectives and with IMPACT’s research cycle and other relevant guidelines.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The GIS Intern’s responsibilities include:
RESEARCH PLANNING
- Develop geo-spatial analysis of assessment areas to be used in developing daily assessment plans, field movement plans and accompanying operational maps for field teams.
GIS AND REMOTE SENSING RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION
- Support in planning and development of satellite-based modelling techniques (e.g. natural hazard susceptibility) which highlight hazards and risks for the country, using Google Earth Engine, Python, or/and R for example.
- Suggest new ideas and conduct satellite-based analyses, such as rapid damage assessments, change detections, natural hazard impact mapping, and time series. Such activities will be based on a variety of different sensors including multispectral optical sensors, SAR sensors and very high resolution optical sensors.
- Ensure that collected data is geo-referenced, enabling the production of maps and related products;
DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING, AND ANALYSIS
- Conduct spatial analysis on collected data as per ToRs;
- Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information;
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
- Ensure accurate linkages between spatial databases and assessment data;
- Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate GIS products, which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines.
The GIS Intern will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. They will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.
REQUIREMENTS
- Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a master’s degree in GIS
- Research skills: Demonstrable experience with geo-spatial information management and analysis. Excellent spatial analysis skills (Analyst toolbox)
- Software skills: Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS. Proven knowledge of Microsoft office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of R, STATA, python or equivalent statistical software an advantage.
- Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;
- Level of independence Proven ability to work independently.
- Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
- Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic is an asset but not mandatory.
- Security environment Strong ability to ensure security rules are followed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Monthly living allowance of 300 USD provided in country by IMPACT’s partner ACTED
- Coverage of accommodation, guesthouse, food, and travel costs, with a luggage allowance of 50 kg
- Provision of medical, repatriation, and life insurance.
- 3-day induction training in IMPACT HQ in Geneva and 1-week Security Training in ACTED HQ in Paris
- Psychological assistance
- 3 days of paid leave per month