Statistician

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), specifically in the Division on Globalisation and Development Strategies (DGDS), Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is a permanent intergovernmental body that aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Statistician role is pivotal within UNCTAD, focusing on the development and analysis of statistical data related to public and external debt in developing countries. The position requires the incumbent to initiate and coordinate the development of methodologies for data collection and analysis, ensuring the quality and consistency of the data. The Statistician will also be responsible for planning and conducting analytical programs, supervising the development of databases and software tools, and undertaking methodological research to assist countries in enhancing their statistical capabilities. This role is essential for supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through effective financial resource mobilization and debt sustainability analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Statistician include:

• Initiating and coordinating the development of methods for obtaining, organizing, and analyzing data related to developing country public and external debt.
• Ensuring the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability.
• Planning and conducting analytical programs of work in relevant statistical areas, including identifying projects and conducting analyses.
• Supervising the development of databases, web publishing tools, and software for data collection and analysis.
• Undertaking methodological research to assist countries in strengthening their statistical development.
• Developing new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projections.
• Providing guidance and advice to other departments and field experts in planning and evaluating statistical programs.
• Supporting the planning and coordination of seminars, workshops, and expert meetings.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Head of Branch.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of statistical programs and the ability to analyze complex data. They should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and creativity in problem-solving. The role requires a sound understanding of sovereign debt and international financial statistics, with the ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, sociology, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, indicating flexibility in educational requirements based on experience.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in developing new statistical indicators and survey tools, as well as proficiency in data analytics and relevant statistical programs such as R, Python, and Javascript. Experience in evaluating data related to the International Financial Architecture is desirable, highlighting the need for a robust background in financial statistics.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), or Arabic is desirable, with a minimum level of UN Level I in these languages, indicating that while English is essential, knowledge of other UN languages is beneficial and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, and if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The role is subject to funding availability and may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization maintains a non-smoking environment and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.