Mapping Global Climate Change Intern

Mapping Global Climate Change Intern

Background
Population Action International (PAI), an independent policy group working to make clear the linkages among population, reproductive health, the environment, and development, has an immediate opening for a mapping global climate change intern.

The intern will work with PAI Research Department and Climate Project Team staff on a project to map regional vulnerabilities to climate change. This project uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create a series of maps overlaying projected changes in population and climate change variables by 2030 and 2100. In the first stage of the project, the variables include population size, age structure, urban/rural population, temperature, precipitation, drought, sea level rise, food supply, per capita income and other socioeconomic indicators, all of which are aggregated to the national level.


Responsibilities:
The intern’s scope of work may involve all or most of the following activities:
Gathering and organizing demographic and climate-related datasets
Converting data of various formats for GIS analysis
Aggregating and downscaling datasets to national-level values
Using GIS software to create single-layer and multilayer maps, representing spatial distribution of climatic, demographic and socioeconomic variables
Writing, proofreading, and editing various materials, including reports and blog posts on the mapping project
Supporting special tasks and projects as needed

Supervisor
Elizabeth Leahy, Research Associate, Research Department

Qualifications:
bachelor’s degree in geography or graduate-level experience;
extensive knowledge of ArcGIS 9, including Spatial Analyst, and experience generating maps;
familiarity with Microsoft Excel;
attention to detail, time management and organization skills;
excellent communication skills, including a professional demeanor;
excellent research and writing skills;
an interest in the connections between population and climate change.

Time:
Stipend: hourly wage (20 hours a week)
This position begins the 9th of February and runs through April 27, 2009.
Resumes with cover letter can be faxed to (202) 728-4177 Attn: Holly Greb or e-mail to apply@popact.org. EOE.