UN Associate Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which operate under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office responsible for overseeing the Resident Coordinator System. The DCO's mission is to ensure that the UN system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight. The organization emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and academic institutions, to achieve development priorities and monitor progress towards the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist plays a crucial role in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Kigali, Rwanda. This position involves engaging with various counterparts, including technical staff and data specialists, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will work closely with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and other stakeholders to support the monitoring and evaluation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Responsibilities include consolidating and validating agency inputs, tracking indicators and milestones, and preparing analytical products for reviews. The role requires a proactive approach to data management and collaboration with external partners to exchange best practices and information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret trends or patterns using statistical methods.
• Improve data analytics processes; acquire and clean data from various sources.
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for UNSDCF.
• Collaborate on digital tools and dashboards for tracking SDG indicators.
• 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 data pipelines. 1
• Support statistical capacity-building within 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. 1
• Train staff on data analytics and results-based management. 1
• Support MEL cycle activities with 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced 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, along with 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. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex data systems and analytics.

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 with relational databases (SQL) and programming languages (Python, R) is essential. Familiarity with the data life cycle, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, is desirable. Experience in supporting results monitoring or evaluation of UN Cooperation Frameworks or national statistical systems is also required.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified in the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively in both languages to fulfill the communication requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Rwanda only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Rwandan 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 adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.