Paid Summer Internship at OPIC (Washington, DC)

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is seeking undergraduate and gradate interns to work in the Economic Impact Analysis Group of the Office of Investment Policy for focused assignments dealing with geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2010 (12 weeks) with commitments of 40 hours per week
Compensation: Paid

· Undergraduate students with at least two full years of college: GS-4, Step 1, $14.59
· Graduate students enrolled in their first year of graduate school: GS-5, Step 1, $16.33
· Graduate students who have completed one full year of graduate school: GS-7, Step 1, $20.22

Description: The Overseas Private Investment Corporation, an executive branch agency of the US government, will consider internship applications from highly competitive and flexible undergraduate and graduate students with strong business interests and background in international development.

OPIC is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to mobilize and facilitate the participation of U. S. private capital and skills to promote the economic and social development of less developed countries and regions, and countries in transition from non-market to market economies. OPIC assists U.S. companies by providing financing (from large structured finance to small business loans) and political risk insurance, as well as supporting investment funds. OPIC complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment and supports U.S. foreign policy.

OPIC was established as an agency of the U.S. government in 1971 and currently does business in over 150 countries. In the decades since its creation, OPIC has worked to achieve its dual mandate of fostering developmental investment and supporting US investors in challenging markets.

The OPIC Office of Investment Policy (OIP) seeks to recruit undergraduate or graduate interns for its Economic Impact Analysis unit immediately. The internship will last approximately 12 weeks and will be an outstanding opportunity to learn about investment policy, international investment and trade issues within the context of international development and U.S. foreign policy.

The selected candidate will work on the Unit’s effort in mapping OPIC’s global reach and footprint; and be able to display it on a web platform, such as Google Earth or Google Maps. The two main objectives will be to:

(1) create interactive maps on the OPIC intranet and internet website with information about OPIC’s projects around the world and

(2) create features and layers that will enrich the user experience

Experience: Candidates with backgrounds in geography, international studies, or spatial analysis will be considered. Candidates should possess good knowledge of international development issues, strong oral and written communications skills, as well as computer proficiency. Desired skills and experience:

- Excellent Google Maps API skills and experience
- Familiarity with Google Earth Applications and features
- Familiarity with web mapping
- Experience in graphic design, publication design, and web design is a plus
- Ability to work independently
- Must be detail-oriented

Point of Contact: To apply, click here. Under Step 5 of the application process, select “Economic Impact Analysis Internship.” Applicants will be required to submit a cover letter and resume. All applicants must apply through the OPIC website. If you have questions, contact Thomas Debass by email at tdebass [at] opic [dot] gov.