ICT Intern (Data Science Research Fellow)

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UN Global Pulse is the UN Secretary-General’s innovation lab. Originally established in 2009 to harness the power of big data and artificial intelligence to protect the vulnerable during crises, UN Global Pulse operates as a globally distributed network advancing innovation in the UN’s work for people and planet.

UN Global Pulse (UNGP) works with digital innovation, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. UNGP’s vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves people, advances their sustainable development, and protects the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Functional Responsibilities

As a member of the Discovery team, the intern will provide support on multiple projects related to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the projects to be supported involve epidemiological modelling, remote sensing analysis and predictive analytics. Under the guidance of UNGP’s Researcher(s), the intern will be responsible for the following functions:

• Contributing to the design, implementation and evaluation of AI, data science and visual analytics architectures and pipelines to analyze data for supporting decision making;
• Contributing to innovative solutions that leverage design and data science methods such as mathematical modelling and machine learning for sustainable development and humanitarian action;
• Supporting the engineering team to create efficient data processing pipelines;
• Supporting subject experts to visualize and report data findings creatively in a variety of formats, including the design and development of interactive visualizations and dashboards;
• Reviewing and documenting scientific background research on relevant topics;
• Assisting the technical team and researchers in the drafting of scientific publications;
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the intern's scope of services as above.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• All applicants must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or PhD. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.
• Areas of study include Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Complex Systems, Data Science, Data Visualization, Engineering, Information Design, and other related disciplines.

Internship related experience: (The following skills and experiences are desirable but not required)

• Knowledge of Python, R or an equivalent programming environment is highly desired;
• Knowledge of mathematical modelling and predictive analytics methods is highly desired;
• Knowledge of applications of data science and AI for humanitarian response, sustainable development, peace and climate is an asset;
• Knowledge of digital epidemiology, modelling, and biomedical data analysis is an asset;
• Knowledge of AI frameworks and machine learning software packages (e.g. Keras, TensorFlow, or Torch) is an asset;
• Knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, geospatial data or any other mapping techniques is an asset;
• Knowledge of NLP methodologies for analysing social media data and social sciences techniques around information sharing is an asset;
• Knowledge of speech-to-text AI technologies is an asset;
• Knowledge of Interactive data visualization development and information design such of D3.js, Crossfilter/dc.js, Leaflet.js, Processing.js, or a similar package is an asset;
• Knowledge of Big Data and real-time analytics technologies, Cloudera/Impala, AWS, Spark and parallel programming paradigms is an asset;

• Multidisciplinary experience in projects that integrate ICTs and social/biomedical sciences is an asset;

  Language:

• Intermediate in English (read, write, speak) ire required

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Internship Contract level: Intern Internship duration: 6 months - subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.