UN Associate Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Group's objectives. The DCO has recalibrated its operations to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist will be integral to the UN's efforts in data engineering, data science, and analytics. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN funds, programs, and NGOs, to develop and implement databases and data collection systems that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will support inter-agency follow-ups with the UN Country Team (UNCT) Results Groups, ensuring the consolidation and quality assurance of agency inputs, tracking UNSDCF indicators, and preparing evidence for reviews. This position is located within the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bujumbura, Burundi, and reports directly to the Head of RCO. The role requires a proactive approach to data management and analytics, contributing to the development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products, and engaging in capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Developing MEL products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks using approved indicators and tools.
• Collaborating with national statistical partners to design digital tools and dashboards that track progress against national SDG indicators.
• Creating reports, dashboards, and data visualization products to summarize findings for management.
• Supporting project implementation activities, including data collection and preliminary analysis.
• Producing data products such as reports and newsletters related to data analysis.
• Integrating monitoring milestones and evidence streams into common data pipelines.
• Assisting in strengthening UNCT statistical capacity through technical assistance mapping.
• Compiling data insights for stakeholder engagement.
• Keeping updated on trends in data analytics and recommending improvements. 1
• Conducting outcome-level analyses and supporting capacity-building initiatives on data analytics. 1
• Delivering training on results-based management and evaluation methodologies. 1
• Supporting data preparation and administrative aspects of work plan implementation. 1
• Assisting with monitoring, evaluation, and learning cycle activities. 1
• Coordinating with cross-functional teams to implement data models. 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The role requires a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and the ability to analyze data and make recommendations. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or social sciences is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in data validation, quality assurance of data analysis outputs, and familiarity with data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R. Experience in project management and developing training programs is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with specific levels outlined in the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively in both languages.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Burundi only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is found, Burundian nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, but they will be responsible for relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must follow the online application process and provide complete and accurate information.