DATA SPECIALIST

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to delivery more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator – the Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesThe Data Analyst interacts with counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant organizational units in data engineering, data science and other data specialists, data owners and subject matter experts to develop and implement the databases, data collection systems and data analytics that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. It also interacts with external counterparts in the UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, consultants, and NGOs to collaborate and exchange information and best practices. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Develop reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. 5. Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow. 6. Create interactive and static data visualizations and employ advanced features of data visualization tools to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs. 7. Lead production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities. 8. Drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. 9. Establish communication and cooperation with other parts of the organization to request data and express data needs. 10. Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc. 11. 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. 12. Conduct activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel. 13. Support projects execution by conducting robust data analysis and collaborate with other team members to ensure that projects adhere to work plan objectives. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. EducationAn 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 or a related quantitative field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceDemonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience only for the knowledge, skills, and abilities below labelled with 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. Demonstrated knowledge in database management to extract, transform, and load data from various sources is desirable. Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English AND French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: \"Fluency equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \"Knowledge of\" equals a rating of \"confident\" in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference. Special NoticeTHIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment or assignment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and any extension will be subject to availability of funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of \"internal candidate\" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position.” THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF CAMEROON ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, CAMEROON nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Cameroon in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. \"Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you\". The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Need Help?\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.