Data Engineering Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Data Engineering Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing UNICEF's due diligence processes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Operations (MLOps). This position is part of the Partnership Advisory Support Services (PASS) team within the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP). The consultant will be responsible for exploring AI technologies to improve operational efficiency in due diligence, enabling UNICEF to make timely, evidence-based decisions. The consultant will document business needs, assess market practices, develop concepts for AI integration, and conduct feasibility assessments. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the proposed solutions align with organizational policies and standards, ultimately leading to a more effective due diligence process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will engage in multiple phases of the project, including:

• Discovery & Analysis: Engage with stakeholders to understand existing business processes, organize user-requirements sessions, assess technical feasibility, and draft AI solution architecture documents.
• Conceptualization and Technology Capabilities: Create data flow diagrams, evaluate AI tools for feasibility, and develop proposals for AI solutions.
• Proof of Concept: Develop prototypes for user testing, document performance metrics, and analyze pilot results.
• Roadmap and Implementation: Prepare implementation plans, refine requirements based on feedback, and recommend technology capabilities.
• Skill Development: Deliver user guides, conduct training sessions, and submit final reports summarizing deliverables and recommendations. The consultant will also manage any necessary external licenses and operational inputs essential for the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in data engineering, AI/ML development, and system integration, with demonstrated expertise in MLOps, API integration, and cloud-based solutions. Strong data analysis skills and experience with predictive analysis and risk assessment are also required. Proficiency in Python and AI/ML frameworks is essential, along with familiarity with NLP tools and RPA frameworks.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Computer Science, Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a quantitative social science is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in data engineering, AI/ML development, and system integration. Experience in MLOps, including model deployment and lifecycle management, is required. A proven track record in API integration and cloud-based solutions is essential, along with experience working with international organizations or large-scale projects. Strong data skills and experience in data analysis and quality are also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required for effective communication with stakeholders. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment may involve managing technical and operational costs, including API and software licenses, which must be included in the consultant’s lump-sum quotation. UNICEF will not provide additional funding for these expenses. Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment for unsatisfactory performance. The consultant is responsible for ensuring valid visa and health insurance for the contract duration. Selected candidates must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this does not apply to remote consultants. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities.