Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Analytics and Project Management Service, part of the Business Transformation and Accountability Division (BTAD) of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) at the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to improving management strategies and policies through data-driven decision-making. The UN aims to foster international cooperation and maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, with a focus on sustainable development and human rights. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, employing thousands of staff members from diverse backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist role is crucial for leveraging both internal and external data to support evidence-based decision-making within the organization. The position requires a strong analytical mindset to interpret historical trends and current data, as well as to make predictions that can inform strategic decisions. The Data Scientist will collaborate with various stakeholders to identify opportunities for data utilization, aiming to enhance program development, advocacy, and overall business strategies. This role also involves developing custom data models and algorithms, utilizing predictive modeling techniques, and establishing frameworks for A/B testing to assess model quality. The Data Scientist will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing model performance and data accuracy, ensuring that the organization can make informed decisions based on reliable data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Scientist will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify data-driven opportunities for corporate-level business solutions.
• Mining and analyzing data from organizational databases to optimize program development and business strategies.
• Assessing the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques.
• Developing custom data models and algorithms for various data sets.
• Utilizing predictive modeling to enhance entity experiences and business outcomes.
• Creating an A/B testing framework to evaluate model quality.
• Coordinating with different functional teams to implement corporate data analytics projects and monitor their outcomes.
• Developing processes and tools for monitoring and analyzing model performance and data accuracy.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in data analytics, data science, or related fields. The position requires advanced knowledge of statistical and computational methods, including clustering, classification, correlation, dimension reduction, forecasting, machine learning, and regression analysis. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, client orientation, and technological awareness, with the ability to apply judgment in various assignments. The role demands excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

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

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, data science, business analysis, or applied mathematics is required. Candidates should have at least two years of experience engaging with clients to develop needs-based analyses for data and digital transformation strategies. Additionally, at least one year of experience in developing and implementing AI products using Microsoft tools, including Copilot Studio, is necessary. Experience with enterprise data analytics products such as PowerBI, Tableau, or SAP Analytics Cloud is desirable, as is familiarity with Data Science tools like Jupyter, Matlab, or programming languages such as R and Python.

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 United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, subject to funding availability. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process.