At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your data engineering skills to support humanitarian efforts and save lives.
- Company: Join MapAction, a leading humanitarian mapping charity with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, enhance your skills, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering opportunities with potential for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an impactful team that collaborates with global partners to aid vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or related field; experience in data engineering and Python required.
The Opportunity
Are you a Geospatial Data Engineer Volunteer wanting to use your skills to help people in a humanitarian crisis and ultimately help save lives? MapAction can enable you to volunteer to do just that. Volunteers have been the heart of MapAction for over 20 years but the range of skills needed continually evolves. Now we are looking for an enthusiastic Geospatial Data Engineer professional who has a desire to commit to a great team, and to help MapAction make a difference that has a lasting effect on vulnerable communities.
MapAction works with a range of humanitarian partners, from local organisations who are closest to the ground to a range of global UN partners. Come and be part of something that is exciting and impactful!
Why MapAction?
MapAction is a leading humanitarian mapping charity, delivering information services and products to enhance decision making in disasters and conflicts. In collaboration with our partners, this mapped information helps responders understand vulnerabilities and target their response effectively, contributing to saving lives and minimising suffering. We work through a team of skilled volunteer professionals and a small paid staff team. We have built a strong reputation in the humanitarian sector, and are a technical partner of the United Nations, Non-Government Organisations and Civil Society Organisations, the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement, regional entities and national authorities. The humanitarian sector is evolving, and technical expertise such as GIS, mapping, information management, data processing and visualisation are becoming increasingly utilised for improving decision making in complex humanitarian response. MapAction and our partners are uniquely positioned to provide technical expertise in support of this.
Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will be able to work with technical staff and volunteers on different opportunities. Once your onboarding is complete, you will be able to choose the tasks and projects that best fit your skillset and interests. Here below are some activities that our data engineer volunteers can support with:
- MapAction external projects that require a Data Engineer skillset (e.g.: data pipeline automation, hazard exposure platforms, multi-risk models, conflict incident reporting, etc…)
- Work with external partners such as UN agencies, International NGOs and Academic Institutions
- Conduct and automate data collection and processing scripts
- Create and maintain optimal, performant data pipeline architectures, both internally and externally
- Propose improvements to infrastructure, schemas, platforms, toolchains and configurations
- Assist in the automation, provision and management of development environments, source-code, build-tools, pipelines and deployments
- Support ad-hoc Data Processing during MapAction’s Emergency Responses in collaboration with MapAction’s GIS team
- Support internal systems maintenance in collaboration with MapAction’s IT Support Engineer
- Attend and/or represent MapAction on technical conferences
- Train other volunteers or external organizations on Data Engineer tools and processes
What are we looking for?
If you feel you are a good match but do not feel like you meet all the requirements, we are still happy to receive your application! The core skills we look for in all of our team members are the following:
- A desire to use their skills, experience and dedication in the cause of humanitarian ends
- Good team player with leadership and/or project management experience or ambition wherever possible
- Exceptional communication skills, to explain your work to people who don't understand the mechanics behind data analysis, and experience in understanding partner needs and requirements, in particular working with non-technical clients
- Adaptable, resilient and solution-oriented
- Self-motivated and organised
- Time to commit to MapAction, for more details on the time commitment, please refer to the “What does it mean to be part of the MapAction team?”
Essential:
- Degree or equivalent experience in the field of Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science, Software Development, Information Technology or a related field
- Three or more years of professional experience working in a data or information management team, as a data engineer, data scientist, developer or other similar role
- Experience and proficiency working with Python and Jupyter Notebooks
- Data pipeline design skills
- Knowledge of cloud platforms like GCP, AWS or Azure
- Experience and understanding of CI/CD pipelines
- Project management experience
- Experience in understanding partner needs and requirements, in particular working with non-technical clients
- Collaborative code management using Git
Remote Geospatial Data Engineer Volunteer in Stoke-on-Trent employer: MapAction
MapAction is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in humanitarian crises. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer 30 days of holiday, a workplace pension, and paid training opportunities, all within a supportive remote work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us in our mission to enhance decision-making in emergencies while working alongside a dedicated team and skilled volunteers, making your contributions truly impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Geospatial Data Engineer Volunteer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Get Involved with Local Conservation Groups
Join local conservation or geological societies in your area. These groups often look for volunteers to help with fieldwork and data collection, which is a great way to gain hands-on experience in geoscience while also making valuable connections.
✨Participate in Earth Science Events
Keep an eye out for events like geological meetups, seminars, and workshops. These are fantastic opportunities to network with professionals in the field, learn about the latest developments, and even find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities, like those with organisations that align with your interests.
✨Show Off Your Passion with Projects
Consider starting a project related to geoscience, like a blog or social media page where you share your findings. This not only demonstrates your commitment but shows potential volunteers how proactive you are. Plus, it’s a great way to attract the attention of organisations looking for passionate individuals to help out.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
Don't hesitate to check out organisations like MapAction for volunteer positions. Applying through our website can sometimes give you an edge since you'll be directly showcasing your enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Geospatial Data Engineer Volunteer in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Coursework:When applying for a volunteer role in geoscience or earth sciences, make sure to list any pertinent courses or projects you've completed. This showcases your foundational knowledge and enthusiasm for the field, which is crucial for a volunteer position at MapAction.
Get Creative with Your Experience:Even if you don't have direct volunteering experience in geosciences, think about any relevant skills you've picked up from hobbies or different jobs. Maybe you’ve done fieldwork during your studies or engaged in environmental initiatives—mention those! It demonstrates your commitment to the field and your willingness to contribute.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:For a volunteer position, your motivations matter more than ever! In your cover letter, express why you’re passionate about geosciences and what you hope to learn from your experience at MapAction. Make it personal and show how your values align with theirs.
Connect Your Skills to Their Goals:Take a close look at the projects or initiatives MapAction is involved in and tailor your application to highlight skills that will contribute to those. Whether it's data analysis from your studies or a knack for research, making these connections can turn a good application into a great one!
How to prepare for a job interview at MapAction
✨Showcase Your Passion for Earth Sciences
As you're volunteering in the geoscience field, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the subject during the interview. Talk about specific areas of geoscience that inspire you and any related projects you’ve engaged in—whether it’s mapping local geological features or being involved in environmental conservation efforts.
✨Brush Up on Technical Terminology
Expect some technical questions that test your knowledge of geoscience concepts. Be ready to discuss things like rock types, geological processes, and data analysis techniques. It’s a great way to show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable and prepared for hands-on experiences.
✨Prepare for Fieldwork Scenarios
Since this is a volunteer role, the interview might include scenarios related to fieldwork. Think about your experiences in outdoor settings, like how you've handled data collection or collaborated with others in past projects—this will highlight your practical skills and teamwork capabilities which are essential in this field.
✨Connect with the Mission of MapAction
Understand the key projects and goals of MapAction. Relate your skills and interests back to what they stand for. This will show that you’re not just looking to fill a role, but that you are genuinely invested in helping them achieve their mission in geosciences!
