The Strauss Center is seeking a GIS and Data Student Technician to assist coordinating data and mapping used in modeling climate-related disaster vulnerability as part of the Center’s program on Complex Emergencies and Political Stability in Asia (CEPSA). The CEPSA program explores the confluence of insecurities that impact vulnerability to disasters and complex emergencies in Asia and assesses potential strategies for response. The program focuses on six countries in South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) and five countries in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam).

This position will work on a vulnerability mapping project under the CEPSA program. This project seeks to develop a disaster vulnerability model for Asia based on successful modelling developed under the Climate Change and African Political Stability (CCAPS) program. The modelling work of CEPSA will identify the subnational locations in South and Southeast Asia that are most vulnerable to climate-related hazards, defined in terms of the potential for large-scale loss of life.

Overview of the position:
The position holder will support Dr. Joshua Busby in building and maintaining a GIS database, collecting and coding datasets, and providing technical support to the development of a model identifying locations most vulnerable to climate-related hazards in Asia.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

• Extracting geo-referenced data from USAID Demographic and Household Indicators using STATA code.
• Processing geo-referenced data on climate hazards, governance, household resilience, and population for use in disaster vulnerability model.
• Using GIS to map individual indicators.

Recommended knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Experience with STATA.
• Experience with GIS and large datasets is required.
• At least one semester of coursework in GIS is required and additional experience is preferred.
• Asia regional interest and experience is a plus.

Funding:
This is a paid position of up to 10 hours per week, to be determined in consultation with the selected candidate. The position starts in April 2015 and will extend through summer 2015.

Application process:
To apply, please send a cv, a cover letter detailing your experience with STATA and GIS, and a sample of GIS work to Joshua Busby at [email protected]. We aim to fill this position immediately before April 9.

For more information on the Complex Emergencies and Political Stability in Asia project, visit www.strausscenter.org/cepsa.