IC – SDG Data & Power BI

Result of ServiceExpected Deliverables 1. Updated SDG Indicator Dataset • A cleaned and validated dataset (2025 edition) covering all SDSN SDG indicators for Saudi Arabia and matched comparison countries. • Includes disaggregation by indicator and year, with full metadata, data sources, and normalization documentation. 2. Disaggregated Forecast Models • Refined forecasting models for each individual SDG indicator, including updated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and Nearest-Neighbor (NN) projections through 2030. • Includes comparisons under historical, Top 5 NN, and Bottom 5 NN growth scenarios. 3. Revised Analytical Paper • An updated version of the Macroeconomic SDG Forecasts for the KSA paper, incorporating expanded data, improved disaggregation, and enhanced methodology. • Includes tables, charts, and scenario-based insights for policy relevance. • An annotated outline of the updated paper to guide review and feedback before final drafting. 4. Interactive Power BI Dashboard • A live, filterable dashboard visualizing historical data and 2030 projections by SDG and indicator. • Includes nearest-neighbor comparisons, scenario toggles, and exportable visuals. 5. Technical Guide & Source Code Package • A complete, step-by-step technical manual for updating the dashboard and dataset in the future. • Includes all scripts, code (Python, R, Power Query, etc.), data transformation logic, and publishing instructions. 6. Summary Products for Stakeholders • A concise policy brief and accompanying presentation slide deck to communicate key findings, implications, and recommendations to internal and external audiences. Work LocationRemote Expected duration1.5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The UN Secretary-General's Development System reform, launched on 1 January 2019 in response to General Assembly resolution 71/243, repositions the UN Development System to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet. Central to this process, and as further mandated by General Assembly resolution 72/279, a new generation of UN Resident Coordinator Offices across the world are being strengthened under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at country level. To effectively support the work of UN Country Team and the Government of Saudi Arabia, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Saudi Arabia is undertaking an update the Macroeconomic SDG Forecasts for the KSA background paper using the most recent SDG indicator data, disaggregate projections by indicator, and develop a live, interactive Power BI dashboard to track progress and visualize alternative 2030 forecast scenarios. Duties and Responsibilities: The individual contractor will report directly to the RCO Economist and will collaborate virtually with other RCO team members and relevant stakeholders. 1. Data Update and Methodological Enhancement • Retrieve and curate the latest SDSN SDG indicator data and relevant global datasets. • Extend the dataset to cover 2020–2025, ensuring methodological consistency with previous data. • Enhance disaggregation by producing indicator-level forecasts, not just SDG averages. • Apply and improve upon existing forecasting methods, including Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and Nearest-Neighbor (NN) matching, with documentation of any methodological adjustments. 2. Forecasting Analysis • Update the current forecast models using the expanded dataset. • Conduct new nearest-neighbor analysis to benchmark individual countries against countries with similar SDG performance. • Generate 2030 forecasts for each SDG and indicator under multiple growth scenarios: o Historical growth trends o Top 5 NN performance o Bottom 5 NN performance 3. Dashboard Development • Build and deploy a Power BI dashboard that: o Visualizes historical data and projected SDG performance o Allows filtering by SDG, indicator, forecast scenario, and country o Includes downloadable charts and custom views • Ensure the dashboard is intuitive and usable by both technical and non-technical audiences. 4. Technical Documentation • Prepare a comprehensive technical guide for maintaining and updating the dashboard in the future. • Provide all scripts, code (Python, R, Power Query, etc.), data transformation steps, and configuration files used. • Ensure that national stakeholders and RCO staff can independently update the dashboard post-engagement. 5. Final Outputs and Dissemination Support • Translate analytical insights into actionable summaries. • Prepare presentation materials and briefing documents for RCO leadership and external stakeholders. Qualifications/special skillsA bachelors degree in social sciences, economics, public health, law or related area is required. A masters (Ongoing) or Higher (Ongoing) in social sciences, economics, public health, law or related area is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in relevant research is required. High proficiency in academic writing in English is required. Strong track record of data modeling, visualization, and statistical forecasting is required. Proficiency in Power BI, and experience integrating large, multi-source datasets is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationRecruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location. 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.