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 deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. The 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. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Samoa, Apia and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesWithin 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. Support the assessment of model evaluation using appropriate validation metrics to ensure the model is comprehensive and supports the organizational objectives. 13. Conduct activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel. 14. Deliver trainings and workshops on data analytics tailored to different audiences as appropriate. 15. Support projects execution by conducting robust data analysis and collaborate with other team members to ensure that projects adhere to work plan objectives. 16. Supervise and guide other colleagues in the data-centric roles. 17. Execute and oversee specific projects and activities, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with planned objectives. 18. Utilize acquired resources to build analysis, reporting and quality control. 19. Support the development of materials for external and internal audits through data preparation, compliance tracking, and report generation. 20. Performs other related actions as assigned. 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 two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the knowledge of foundational concepts in data manipulation and data analysis such as data structures, statistical methods 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 this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).