SPIN
Job title:
SPIN – Catapult – Empowering Traditional Knowledge with Earth Observation to Enhance Climate Risk Understanding
Company
SPIN
Job description
Project DescriptionRecently, the UK reduced its Official development assistance (ODA) from 0.7% to 0.5% of gross national income. The U.S on January 24, 2025, paused almost all foreign aid, affecting programs worldwide. In the EU, countries like France have abandoned plans to increase aid to 0.7% of GNI by 2025. As funding becomes increasingly constrained, projects relying on or aiming to utilise funding must clearly demonstrate how their outcomes will maximise impact.One reason for inefficiency of some ODA projects is that the implementation of the solutions and framework is almost exclusively sourced from the Global North, while the knowledge from global South is relegated to the roles of being “old” or “untested.” For true sustainable development, we must expand our knowledge to fully harness insights from around the world. Here insights are taken globally, regardless of cultures and are accepted based on their potential for the sustainable outcomes they may produce. There is a strong consensus amongst academics and practitioners that development initiatives are most impactful if interventions build on the existing social and technological fabric within the geography it is being implemented within. Especially when it comes to our understanding of climate risk.Over the 8 weeks, we hope you will develop your skills and understanding in:The intern’s project will focus on a specific dimension of climate risk. They will develop a case study to provide an overview of how traditional knowledge can enhance our understanding of their selected climate risk and how how Earth observation technology can empower its implementation.The intern will develop a technical understanding of Earth Observation (EO) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), learning to how these technologies can be applied to understand climate risk. These will be key to when exploring applications for enhancing traditional knowledge through geospatial data.Opportunities to enhance critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills by engaging with experts from large organisations that we world regularly with across Chatham House, World Bank, and United Nations. They will gain experience in delivering to project requirements, including prioritisation and adaptability. This combination of skills will prepare the intern to tackle complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development efforts and pluralising our knowledge of climate risk.The successful applicant will have the following skills:Preferably either a final year undergraduate student or a master’s student.Ideal intern will have / studying degree relating but not limited to geography, development studies, EPD (Environment, Politics and Development), EPS (Environment, Politics and Society), Environmental Anthropology. Knowledge of Earth observation is not required but can be beneficial.The successful intern will develop case studies of Indigenous knowledge initiatives that have had immense impact on sustainable development / Climate risk understanding.Highlight and collaborate with key organisations that have been involved within the implementation of traditional knowledge for climate risk outside the space sector.Identify key gaps or areas where EO can be integrated to either support the evidence for the implementation or the where EO can make the process more efficient.Final output in addition to a SPIN poster will be a written article in collaboration with internship supervisor.Process details:8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate5 days holiday to be taken during the placementHow we work….We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:We care – for our people, our partners, and our planetWe connect – and engage with people and ideasWe learn – and grow, as people and as an industryUnderpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of anyone providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult. If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.At Satellite Applications Catapult, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level. Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.
Expected salary
Location
Harwell, Oxfordshire – Didcot, Oxfordshire
Job date
Tue, 18 Mar 2025 23:44:09 GMT
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