Consultant for Data Engineering Skills Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Statistics Division, which operates under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UN Statistics Division is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of national statistical systems worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Its mission is to improve the quality and availability of statistical data to support policy-making and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization has been involved in various initiatives, such as the 'Data for Now' initiative and the 'Data for SIDS' DATAS project, aimed at modernizing statistical practices and integrating innovative data sources into official statistics. The UN Statistics Division collaborates with numerous countries, providing technical assistance and guidance to strengthen their statistical capabilities. Established in 1946, the organization has a global reach, working with national statistical offices across multiple countries to enhance data collection and analysis.

Job Overview:
The consultant's primary objective is to support the development of data engineering skills within national statistical offices. This role involves collaborating closely with IT and statistical focal points to assess existing IT systems, draft modernization requirements, and provide technical advice. The consultant will be responsible for developing comprehensive reports that summarize requirements and offer technical recommendations for modernizing IT architecture in at least two countries involved in the Data for Now project and DATAS initiative. Additionally, the consultant will deliver technical assistance through remote sessions and potential country missions, facilitating the implementation of the proposed recommendations. Training and knowledge sharing will also be a key component of this role, focusing on data lake architecture and its deployment for internal and external stakeholders. Furthermore, the consultant will support the development of country case studies that highlight the modernization of IT architecture and the integration of innovative data sources into official statistics. The consultant will also contribute to creating general guidance on IT architecture related to non-traditional data sources, initially focusing on administrative data but potentially expanding to other innovative sources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several critical duties and responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with IT and statistical focal points of national statistical offices to gather information on existing IT systems and draft modernization requirements.
• Developing a detailed report summarizing requirements and technical recommendations for the modernization of IT architecture in at least two countries involved in the Data for Now project and DATAS initiative.
• Providing technical assistance and advice through remote sessions and potentially country missions to facilitate the implementation of the technical recommendations.
• Conducting training sessions and knowledge-sharing activities on data lake architecture for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of country case studies that demonstrate the modernization of IT architecture and the integration of innovative and administrative data sources into the production of official statistics.
• Assisting in the creation of general guidance on IT architecture and infrastructure related to the use of non-traditional data sources, initially focusing on administrative data and potentially expanding to other innovative sources.
• Preparing detailed plans of activities, specifying key outputs and timelines based on consultations with national statistical offices.
• Delivering progress reports and a final report of activities and work supported, ensuring timely delivery and quality of materials and documentation provided.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, data engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise data management systems, data warehousing infrastructure, big data technologies, GIS analytics, and/or cloud-based data storage and access solutions.
• Experience working with National Statistical Offices, particularly in developing country settings, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing IT architecture solutions for complex statistical data production systems or data science projects.
• Proven experience in agile project management and facilitating IT training and workshops.
• Experience in coordinating with various stakeholders is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, data engineering, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree combined with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support the modernization of IT architecture in national statistical offices.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. This experience should encompass enterprise data management systems, data warehousing infrastructure, big data technologies, GIS analytics, and cloud-based data storage and access solutions. Additionally, experience working with National Statistical Offices, particularly in developing countries, is highly desirable. The consultant should also have demonstrated experience in planning and implementing IT architecture solutions for complex statistical data production systems or data science projects, as well as experience in agile project management and facilitating IT training and workshops.

Languages:
Full command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, and proficiency in other UN languages is an advantage. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful delivery of training and technical assistance.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be performed remotely, with the possibility of technical assistance missions depending on specific country needs and funding availability. The consultant will work from 15 February 2026 to 30 May 2026, with communications primarily conducted through remote web conference meetings. Travel or commute time, as well as related expenses, are not included in the consultancy agreement. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training, and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.