Data Specialist

Within delegated authority the incumbent will support on inter-agency UNCT groups, track the Cooperation Framework and perform the following

Duties

• Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data
• Develop and implement various analysis, reporting and quality control capabilities; identify appropriate data sources for analytics projects; locate and define new data analysis process improvement opportunities
• Develop reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management
• Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow
• Create interactive and static data visualizations and employ advanced features of data visualization tools to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs
• Lead production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities
• Drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. Establish communication and cooperation with other parts of the organization to request data and express data needs
• Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc. Keep abreast of the current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies and tools, and update management with findings and suggestions
• Conduct activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel
• Support projects execution by conducting robust data analysis and collaborate with other team members to ensure that projects adhere to work plan objectives
• Identify gaps in the NSS using relevant statistical capacity monitoring tools and recommend coordinated UN responses, highlighting opportunities to leverage big-data pilots, citizen-generated data, or geospatial solutions
• Support the assessment of model evaluation using appropriate validation metrics to ensure the model is comprehensive and supports the organizational objectives
• Conduct outcome-level analysis and contribution/attribution studies using mixed-methods to inform UN reporting and UN-commissioned evaluations
• Deliver trainings and workshops on data analytics tailored to different audiences as appropriate
• Supervise and guide other colleagues in data-centric roles
• Execute and oversee specific projects and activities, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with planned objectives
• Collaborate on the end-to-end monitoring, evaluation and learning cycle by working with the MEL group and national counterparts, so that planning, data collection, synthesis, validation and learning loops reinforce monitoring and support national statistical processes and standards
• Utilize acquired resources to build analysis, reporting and quality control
• Performs other related tasks as assigned
• Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Working collaboratively, Strategic thinking, Analytical thinking, Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches
• Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources
• Shows skill in developing sources for data collection
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

Desired Candidate Profile

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, data management, information systems, information science, economic or social sciences, or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills and ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is required. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R is required. Demonstrated ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs is required. Demonstrated ability to assess data accuracy and consistency by performing data validation is desirable. Experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, knowledge management or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Somali is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult