The GCRO seeks a GIS Intern in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation

GIS Intern (1-year fixed term contract) in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up to build the knowledge base that government, business, labour, civil society and residents all need to develop a competitive, spatially integrated, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive Gauteng City-Region (GCR). We undertake academically informed but policy-relevant research, often in partnership with others; we collect, analyse and disseminate data and use it to benchmark the GCR locally and internationally; and we provide direct policy support to government working to the highest academic standards.

A key part of GCRO's success since it was established in 2008 has been the analysis and visualisation of spatial data. This is reflected in various projects under our Data analytics, informatics and visualisation research theme, as well as various outputs such as the regular Map of the Month and a range of interactive data viewers. GCRO wants to expand and deepen its research in this field, especially in the areas of advanced spatial analysis and data visualisation.

The GCRO is looking to appoint a highly motivated GIS Intern with GIS and data visualisation skills. The GIS Intern will be expected to:

• Contribute to the GIS team in providing GIS related maps for internal GCRO staff members and external clients
• Familiarise him/herself with the GCRO GIS server, dataset locations as well as follow strict data sharing protocols within the GCRO
• Ensure that every map product is approved by one or more of the GIS team prior to dissemination to clients
• Assist with the Map of the Month related research, article writing and map production
• Play a role in data generation for the GCRO’s research requirements (e.g. digitising vector boundaries/features and assisting in the production of continuous raster datasets)
• Assist GIS team members in their research paper analysis where possible
• Report directly to the Senior Researcher within the GCRO
• Produce a draft MSc proposal for review by the GIS team if the candidate seeks to pursue an MSc degree at the end of the internship

Selection criteria:

• BSc (Honours) in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing or related fields
• Providing the interviewer panel with map examples during the interview process and discuss the trends observed
• Skills in map making, data visualisation and presentation
• Skills in spatial analysis and use of desktop and web-based GIS approaches/software
• Competent in the use of ArcGIS, QGIS and other GIS related software
• Basic competency in programming languages (e.g. R or Python)
• The intention to continue onto the pursuit of an MSc is desirable but not compulsory
• Successful candidate is subject to the policy of the University of the Witwatersrand and the associated mandates

Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide parts of his/her Honours dissertation (completed sections or full dissertation) prior to the interview process.

If you have any further queries, please address them to: The Executive Director, GCRO, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 or e- mailed to info@gcro.ac.za.

Closing date: 21 February 2022

Proposed starting date: 1 March 2022

How to apply:

To apply, submit a covering letter that specifically addresses the selection criteria; a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mails addresses of 3 referees willing to provide references; written examples of applicable GIS projects, data visualisations or research, and certified copies of your academic/professional qualifications, i.e. degrees/diplomas and academic record/transcripts.

The GCRO reserves the right not to make an appointment.

External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/“Apply for a job”

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.