Senior Econometrician Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to millions of displaced people worldwide, focusing on their safety, dignity, and the ability to rebuild their lives. UNHCR is particularly active in Lebanon, where it addresses the needs of a significant refugee population, providing essential services and support to vulnerable communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Econometrician Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR's Cash-Based Interventions Team in Lebanon. This position is designed for a candidate who will contribute to the analysis and refinement of econometric models used for targeting vulnerable families in need of assistance. The role involves continuous evaluation of the statistical acceptability of the econometric formula, ensuring its appropriateness for identifying the most vulnerable households. The selected candidate will support data-driven decision-making processes, maintain the integrity of the targeting system, and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of cash assistance programs. The Senior Econometrician Associate will also engage in the planning, implementation, and post-implementation phases of targeting exercises, contributing to the design of grievance mechanisms and ensuring compliance with operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Econometrician Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: assisting in the planning and execution of UNHCR's targeting exercises; refining the hybrid targeting approach; contributing to the design of grievance and redress mechanisms; ensuring data quality through validation procedures; conducting technical checks and recalibrating econometric models; performing targeted analyses to support the understanding of the targeting formula; preparing and verifying eligibility files; contributing to monitoring exercises related to targeting and assistance delivery; collaborating on joint targeting strategies; and preparing regular reports and presentations for stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to communicate complex analytical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong proficiency in statistical and data processing software such as STATA, R, Python, SPSS, and SQL, along with experience in econometric modeling techniques. Competence in data visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau is essential. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are required, including experience with regression analysis and time-series models. The ideal candidate should also have excellent communication skills to convey complex analytical results to non-technical audiences, as well as strong problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with socio-economic indicators and data visualization tools is advantageous, along with exposure to displacement dynamics and vulnerability drivers in crisis settings.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a relevant university degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, or Data Science. Candidates with a High School Diploma must have four years of relevant experience, while those with a Bachelor's degree or higher need two years of relevant work experience. Knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is also required.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid background in econometrics and data science methodologies, with proven experience in data wrangling, predictive modeling, and model evaluation techniques. Experience with large datasets and the ability to identify patterns of vulnerability are crucial. Familiarity with displacement dynamics and socio-economic conditions in crisis settings is considered an asset. Candidates should also have experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, and other relevant organizations, as well as a strong understanding of data privacy and ethics.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station is preferred. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA7 role, with a target start date of December 1, 202

• The position is not remote and is based in Beirut, Lebanon. The role is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment, addressing the needs of a significant refugee population. The position does not require a functional clearance and is open to both national and international candidates.