Job Identification (Reference Number): 16355
Position Title: Intern - ย Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Duty Station City: Berlin
Duty Station Country: Germany
Classification: Intern, Grade Other
Type of Appointment : Internship, four months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 11 September 2025
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Context
The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) has been the International Organization for Migrationโs (IOM) main operational tool for tracking and monitoring the movements and evolving needs of displaced populations since 2004. It has been systematically deployed in medium to large-scale humanitarian response operations in the last five years, including in all Level 3 emergencies. As of November 2023, DTM has been active in over 95 countries, tracking and monitoring over 14.5 million displaced persons worldwide.
The DTM Operations, Coordination and Support (OCS) Unit assembles expertise in operations and coordination, methodology and concept development, mapping and Geographic Information Systems, statistical analysis, database and application system development, and data and information management. The OCS provides a full range of support from the initial development and setup to continuous support on operations, staff deployment, data management, mapping, database systems, and development of information products. At the global level, the team is striving to enhance the DTM by providing technical expertise, supporting the integration of innovative technologies, improving capacity building components, and designing streamlined and harmonised processes.
Recent significant scale up of both DTM operations in the field and global development initiatives requires further strengthening of the global DTM OCS Unit to ensure effective and efficient implementation of global projects as well as to maintain and keep improving the quality and expansion of DTM in the field.ย
Under the overall supervision of the Human Displacement and Mobility Expert (Head of OCS) and the direct supervision of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager, the intern will assist with the operational activities of the Displacement Tracking Matrix team in Berlin, Germany.
Learning Objectives
Develop full understanding of DTM methodologies and spatial data management in IOM.Develop technical skills on GIS mapping standards and tools used to support DTM operations at global, regional and country levels.Build good knowledge on humanitarian spatial data analysis and the use of GIS tools in emergency context.Technical
Support Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) workflow including data collection, management, analysis and visualization through the provision of appropriate GIS/mapping tools and products.Assist GIS officer with regular remote support to regional and country missions including production of different types of static maps such as atlas catalogs.Support developing online interactive maps and web applications using different suites of licensed and open source tools.Assist maintaining the IOM web geoportals for global teams and support GIS infrastructure (users, content, branding) for the IOM Geo Portal internal and external.Provide input for demographic and geographic boundary information for various IOM databases for emergency response and DTM implementation.ย Assist with developing, testing and deployment of standardized geodatabases for different DTM components and common operational datasets (CODs).Support on development of Geo-AI tools (ESRI and/or Open source) for identification of shelters analysis.Conducting remote sensing analysis (satellite imagery and Sentinel imagery).Developing code Google Earth Engine for environmental and natural disaster analysis.Teamwork
Assist GIS officer with enterprise data warehouse solution and ensure smooth dataflow from data warehouse to GIS solutions in cooperation with data management team.Maintain current information management systems for global and regional data repositories.Assist the Data Management team with data collection processes, query, analysis and the overall data management activities to ensure the common spatial data standards and structures are applied and data are managed properly throughout the data management cycle.ย Assist with the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on spatial data infrastructure and geodatabases developed to ensure sustainability.ยProject support
Assist and provide technical and strategic inputs into ongoing information management for external initiatives and partnerships.ย Assist in administration of global licenses pool for desktop and online applications as well as regular monitoring and maintenance of geoserver deployments.Support development and maintain adherence to design standards for cartographic products in order to unify global, regional, country DTM outputs.Perform any other duties as may be assigned.Education
University degree in information systems, geography, cartography or a related field with concentration in technology applications.ย A master's degree in any of these fields is preferred.Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Skills
Strong knowledge in cartography and graphic design using Adobe Suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.);Knowledge in Database Information Systems development (SQL and Postgres), preferably in geographic data management and query builders;ย Knowledge of assessment and data collection apps (KOBO or ODK);knowledge of programming using one or more of the following languages: Python or Java is desirable;Excellent writing, communication and analytical skills;Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;Proven analytical skills and creative thinking;Excellent communication skills, efficiency, and flexibility;Attention to detail and quality and capacity to meet deadlines;Knowledge of Google Earth Engine; and,Knowledge of Geo-Ai tools.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.
For this position, fluency inย English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments
Required Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found at thisย linkย Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.ย Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators
ย Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.ย Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.ย Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.ยNotes
Eligibility and Selection
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
c) are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelorโs level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Other:
The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.
Only candidates possessing the right of residence and right to work in Germany can be considered for this vacancy.
No late applications will be accepted.