Data and Foresight Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to advancing the rights of women and girls, promoting gender equality, and addressing population issues through evidence-based policies and programs. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights, equity, and social justice, and it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly those related to health, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Data and Foresight Analyst plays a crucial role in supporting UNFPA's mission by generating real-time insights and conducting trend analysis that informs humanitarian preparedness, peacebuilding strategies, and development programming. This position is integral to guiding the delivery of UNFPA's programs by providing strategic foresight and data-driven recommendations. The analyst will work closely with various teams to ensure that data analytics and foresight methodologies are effectively integrated into project design, implementation, and evaluation. The role requires a strong understanding of population and development issues, reproductive health, and gender programming, as well as the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for stakeholders. The Data and Foresight Analyst will report directly to the Deputy Representative and will be responsible for monitoring results achieved during implementation, ensuring data quality and integrity, and developing enhancements as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data Analytics and Insights Generation: The analyst will compile and analyze information for country program formulation, draft project documents, work plans, and statistical data. They will design and manage data collection, cleaning, integration, and analysis pipelines, conduct advanced statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and scenario simulations to derive actionable insights. The role includes visualizing data through dashboards, reports, and interactive tools for evidence-based planning and reporting, ensuring data quality and alignment with organizational standards. The analyst will lead the design and execution of analytics processes, detecting signals and trends through data science techniques, and explore opportunities for applied statistical and operations research to assess validity and impact.
• Strategic Foresight and Trend Analysis: The analyst will scan global, regional, and local environments for emerging trends, weak signals, disruptions, and game-changing developments. They will facilitate the development of plausible future scenarios, horizon scanning, and systems mapping, supporting anticipatory action and long-term planning by synthesizing foresight outputs into strategic recommendations. The analyst will provide technical advice and lead experimentation in planning and coordinating foresight experiments with data and analytics.
• Knowledge Translation and Capacity Building: The analyst will translate complex data and foresight outputs into accessible insights for internal stakeholders, partners, and donors. They will build foresight literacy and data capability among staff through training, tools, and participatory exercises, documenting best practices and methodologies for knowledge sharing. The role includes advising on developing accessible data interfaces and processes, guiding data visualization, communication design, and data use through various formats.
• Collaboration and Technical Support: The analyst will work closely with program, policy, and innovation teams to embed foresight and analytics in project design, implementation, and evaluation. They will liaise with external partners, UN agencies, think tanks, academia, and innovation labs to co-create knowledge and exchange intelligence, providing technical inputs to strategy development processes, evaluations, and research initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in public health, population, demography, gender studies, development studies, or other related social science fields, along with ICT/Computing/applied sciences studies. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of development and population activities, preferably in program/project management. Experience should include the development of policies and the ability to negotiate and coordinate with relevant sectors of government, the private sector, international agencies, and civil society groups. Familiarity with conflict sensitivity approaches and programming is an asset. Proficiency in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS, Excel, Python/R, KoboToolbox, or similar is essential, along with the ability to work with spatial data and conduct geospatial intelligence using tools like QGIS and Google Earth Engine.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in relevant fields such as public health, population, demography, gender studies, development studies, or other related social science disciplines. Additionally, studies in ICT, computing, or applied sciences are required to ensure a strong foundation in data analytics and technology.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in development and population activities, with a focus on program/project management. This experience should encompass the development of policies and the ability to effectively negotiate and coordinate with various stakeholders, including government sectors, private entities, international agencies, and civil society organizations. Familiarity with conflict sensitivity programming is considered an asset, as is experience in utilizing data analytics tools and methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly in regions where UNFPA operates, to enhance communication with diverse populations and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics or dimensions of diversity.