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, supporting countries in their development priorities. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator System. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aimed to optimize support for the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The UN aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and academic institutions, to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist will be integral to the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN entities, government counterparts, and civil society organizations, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will support the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and Results Groups by consolidating and validating agency inputs, tracking indicators, and preparing analytical products for reviews. The position requires a proactive approach to data management and a commitment to supporting the monitoring and evaluation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret trends using statistical methods to identify relevant features in structured data.
• Improve processes for data analytics tasks and maintain databases.
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for UNSDCF using approved indicators.
• Collaborate with national statistical partners to design digital tools that track SDG progress.
• Create reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management.
• Produce data visualization outputs to aid decision-making.
• Assist with data collection and initial analysis, reporting issues to senior staff.
• Contribute to data products like reports or newsletters. 1
• Integrate monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. 1
• Support statistical capacity-building within the UNCT. 1
• Prepare materials for stakeholder communications. 1
• Stay updated on data analytics trends and best practices. 1
• Conduct outcome-level analysis for UN reporting and evaluations. 1
• Build staff capacity in data analytics through training. 1
• Support the MEL cycle for national counterparts. 1
• Identify gaps in the national statistical system and propose solutions. 1
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
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 is required. A Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of data manipulation and analysis, including statistical methods and data life cycle concepts. Skills in relational databases (SQL) and programming languages (Python, R) are essential. Experience in data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI is desirable, as is the ability to assess data accuracy and develop training programs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis or a related area is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of foundational concepts in data manipulation and analysis, including data structures and statistical methods. Experience in relational databases and programming languages is essential, along with the ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs. Desirable experience includes supporting results monitoring or evaluation of UN Cooperation Frameworks or national statistical systems.

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 Côte d'Ivoire only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is found, Côte d'Ivoire nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.