Programme & Policy

Overview

Support the development of Earth Observation data processing.

You have:

• Currently enrolled in an Advanced University degree program or recently graduated (within the past six months) in the field of Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• University course attendance in the past 12 months.
• Excellent command of English; Working knowledge of a second UN language would be an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Experience in Earth Observation analysis and familiarity with processing of EO time series and operational implementation of processing chains.
• Good level of modern high-level programming languages / analytical systems, Python, Arcpy module, JavaScript and R as applied to the processing of geospatial data.
• Good knowledge of GIS and remote sensing applications (ARC GIS, Q-GIS, Google Earth Engine) and analytical methodologies.
• Good knowledge of cloud data management in Amazon Web Service.
• Good presentation and team working skills, with the ability to follow and develop a given scope of work.
• Interpret data findings effectively and communicate to a non-technical audience.

Internship – Earth Observation Data Science Intern

RAMAC, Homebased for HQ Rome, Italy

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill an Intern position in our Climate & Earth Observation Unit of the Research, Assessment and Monitoring Division (RAM) Division, based in Rome, Italy.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Head, Climate & Earth Observation
• Unit: RAMAC
• Country: Italy
• Duty Station: Rome (Remote)
• Duration of internship: 6-months
• Expected Start Date: 07 Feb 2022

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Climate & Earth Observation officer, supported by an experienced EO analyst consultant (TBC), the candidate will perform the following duties:

• Support the development, testing and implementation of advanced EO time series processing in Jupyter Notebooks. This will include filtering procedures (Whittaker smoother), Fourier decomposition of EO signals, lag-correlation analysis of NDVI and LST data and clustering of EO time series.
• Evaluate the application of such methods in AIMS Landscape Impact Assessments and support implementation of the resulting operational workflows.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in an Advanced University degree program or recently graduated (within the past six months) in the field of Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• University course attendance in the past 12 months;
• Excellent command of English; Working knowledge of a second UN language would be an asset;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Experience in Earth Observation analysis and familiarity with processing of EO time series and operational implementation of processing chains.
• Good level of modern high-level programming languages / analytical systems, Python, Arcpy module, JavaScript and R as applied to the processing of geospatial data.
• Good knowledge of GIS and remote sensing applications (ARC GIS, Q-GIS, Google Earth Engine) and analytical methodologies.
• Good knowledge of cloud data management in Amazon Web Service.
• Good presentation and team working skills, with the ability to follow and develop a given scope of work.

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:

• Good presentation and team working skills, with the ability to follow and develop a given scope of work.
• Interpret data findings effectively and communicate to a non-technical audience.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Climate & Earth Observation officer, supported by an experienced EO analyst consultant (TBC), the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance, and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. Head of Climate & Earth Observation Unit will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, weLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should:

• Apply advanced EO time series processing in Jupyter Notebooks and modifying to various operational needs.
• Deliver tools and scripts developed during the internship
• Interpret data findings effectively to any audience, orally, visually, and in written format
• Provide documentation and guidelines on the different tasks and methodologies.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Rome, Italy – not applicable/remote internship

(Living conditions, security, health, etc)

The security situation in Italy remains in line with other European Countries. There are no specific threats against the UN in Italy. Considering the ongoing defeat of Daesh in the war territories, the trend in the short and mid-term will most likely continue to see the return of the militants to the countries of origins, including Italy. Insurrectional anarchism remains sufficiently organized on the Italian territory, as it has been present for many years. This movement could target the UN in the context of its anti-capitalism/anti-western narrative. 2) Whilst UN staff continue to be victims of minor crime such as street robbery and apartment break-ins, the infrequency of attacks and random nature of locations do not indicate that UN staff are at an elevated risk in comparison to residents or tourists in Italy. 3) Italy’s national territory is exposed to a broader range of natural hazards than any other European country. The vulnerability of its population and built environment is often severe and has in some cases been exacerbated by human activities.

• Other relevant information

VA Reference no: 155784

Closing Date: 25 January 2022

Please note that the deadline is at 11:59 pm Rome time (GMT + 1)

Terms and Conditions:

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognized institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: wfp.org