UNOOSA is Recruiting an Intern with a Space Technology Background

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is looking for a new intern. Thus, interested persons with a background in space technologies and water resource management can apply. The posting title is Intern – Earth Observation for Water Resource Management, Space Applications Section, I (Temporary Job Opening). 

Organisation Setting and Reporting

The Office for Outer Space Affairs OOSA-Space Applications Section internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension up to a total of six months, pending the needs of the office and the availability of the intern. Furthermore, the internship is UNPAID and full-time. In addition, interns will work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned or remotely if travel restrictions due to COVID-19 don’t allow the intern to travel to Vienna. For more information on UNOOSA, please visit its website. 

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office may request that applicants undertake the internship remotely. This request is consequently due to constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. In addition, applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Thus, duties may include, amongst others:

1. Online research on the use of space technologies for water resource management (actors, projects, technologies);
2. Working with remote sensing data and creating maps which will be published on the portal or in articles;
3. Data collection and aggregation;
4. Contributing to or writing short articles (science and popular science) on the use of space technologies for water resource management or hydrology;
5. Preparation of posts and outreach material;
6. Adding and editing content to the Space4Water Portal (web content editing);
7. Perform other tasks as necessary.

Competencies

The United Nations Core Competencies include:

• Planning and organising: Develops clear goals, identifies priority activities and assignments and monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
• Accountability: Honours commitments and delivers outputs within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the office’s work; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows a willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Applicants must meet the following qualifications to qualify for the internship with the United Nations Internship Programme:

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). (Official written proof from the university supporting one of the above possibilities must be attached to the Inspira application);
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Languages

English is the working language of the United Nations. Fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Additionally, knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

The hiring manager will contact considered candidates for further assessment.

Special Notice

The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent. Consequently, the UN encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious background, to apply.

Applicants should also note that the Office requires a completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile). Consequently, the Office will not review incomplete applications.

The Cover Note must include:

• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
• Past research, if in the area of space technologies or water (resource) management.
• List your top three areas of interest.
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Furthermore, due to the high volume of applications received, the Office will contact ONLY successful candidates.

No Fee

In addition, the UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). Furthermore, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

For more information on the position, UN Considerations, and application, please visit here.

Click here to get real time data and information on every Segments and players in the African space and satellite industry.