Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to serve 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa, ESCWA aims to provide a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies among its member states. It acts as a platform for coordination and congress, a hub for expertise and knowledge, and an observatory for information. ESCWA's activities are aligned with the broader goals of the United Nations and are coordinated with various UN divisions, specialized agencies, and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development outcomes both regionally and globally through its initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist position is situated within the Data Science and Decision-Support Division (DSDSD) of ESCWA, which is focused on modernization and innovation efforts. This role is integral to providing advanced analytics and decision-support services to ESCWA, other UN entities, and Member States. The Data Scientist will engage in data integration, management, quality assurance, and advanced analytics, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to inform policymaking and operational strategies. The position requires a proactive approach to leveraging data-driven insights and emerging technologies to anticipate trends and support sustainable development. The Data Scientist will report to the Chief of DSDSD and will work closely with various stakeholders to develop and implement data science products that enhance decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Scientist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including studying and evaluating new and existing data sources for their effectiveness and accuracy in decision-making. They will design and build predictive data science products, such as visualizations and AI/ML algorithms, and liaise with technology stakeholders to access necessary infrastructure and services. The role involves promoting data science solutions, developing tools to validate the effectiveness of these products, and engaging in complex research to create data products. The Data Scientist will also contribute to organizational planning, coordinate with functional teams to implement models, and develop processes to monitor model performance and data accuracy. Additionally, they will be involved in capacity-building efforts by organizing training sessions on data analysis and visualization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the data analysis life cycle, from data ingestion to visualization. They should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to convey complex data science topics in an understandable manner. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to the organization's mission and an understanding of the impact of data-driven decisions. They should be able to manage conflicting priorities and demonstrate professionalism and efficiency in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, information management, statistics, mathematics, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, or a related area is required. Candidates should have at least four years of experience with advanced data science techniques, including data mining, machine learning, and predictive modeling. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience with data science tools such as Jupyter, Matlab, SPSS, or programming languages like R and Python is required. Experience working with Big Data environments is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, and Arabic is a working language at ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, while 'knowledge of' indicates a confident rating in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for one year from the date of appointment, with the possibility of extension based on various factors such as budgetary approval and continued need for services. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment and adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. Candidates will be subject to reference checks, and the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.