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). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a pivotal role in this reform, led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a standalone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator System. The DCO's mission is to ensure that the RC system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven organizational culture. The UN RCO in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is part of this global initiative, working towards the development priorities of the country and the attainment of the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist will be integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and subject matter experts, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and interpreting data trends, implementing process improvements for data analytics, and contributing to the development of monitoring and evaluation products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. The Associate Data Specialist will also engage with external partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, to share best practices and information. This position is crucial for ensuring that data-driven insights inform decision-making processes within the UN system and support the national statistical framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Implementing databases and data collection systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyzing trends and patterns in data using statistical methods.
• Improving processes for data analytics tasks and maintaining databases.
• Developing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for UN frameworks.
• Collaborating with national statistical partners to design digital tools for tracking SDG progress.
• Creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management.
• Tracking department-specific data initiatives and reporting on progress.
• Assisting with data collection and preliminary analysis for various projects.
• Supporting the integration of monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. 1
• Contributing to capacity-building activities for UNCT staff on data analytics. 1
• Conducting training sessions on results-based management and evaluation techniques. 1
• Preparing materials for stakeholder communications and data clinics. 1
• Assisting with monitoring and evaluation cycles to support national statistical processes. 1
• Performing other duties 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 related areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The role requires a strong foundation in data manipulation and analysis, including knowledge of data structures and statistical methods. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to perform quality assurance on data analysis outputs and communicate complex data-related matters to diverse audiences.

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 additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data manipulation and analysis is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of the data life cycle, including data collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and the ability to communicate technical matters effectively is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN, and proficiency in French is considered desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open only to nationals of Sri Lanka, and candidates residing outside the country may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to various approvals, and candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and integrity.