Data Engineering Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, working to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into the policies and practices of the UN and its member states. The organization was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental sustainability and protection.

Job Overview:
The Data Engineering Assistant position is situated within the Infrastructure and DevOps Group of the Chief Digital Office at UNEP's Nairobi duty station. This role is pivotal in supporting UNEP's digital transformation efforts by managing data pipelines and ensuring the effective integration of data from various sources. The Data Engineering Assistant will be responsible for responding to requests for ETL/ELT work, preparing design notes, and optimizing data pipelines that feed UNEP's enterprise data platforms. The position requires collaboration with data engineers, data scientists, and application teams to assemble and curate data sets from multiple internal and external sources, including environmental and geospatial data. The role also involves maintaining information products and dashboards, enforcing data governance policies, and supporting the operation of data management tools. The Data Engineering Assistant will guide and train other staff members, participate in agile ceremonies, and implement security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures throughout the development lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Engineering Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: responding to requests for ETL/ELT work; preparing design notes and decision support materials; assembling and curating data sets from various sources; providing input to the design and configuration of data infrastructure components; maintaining information products and dashboards; applying data governance and security policies; supporting data management tools; guiding and training General Service staff; participating in unit meetings and agile ceremonies; implementing security measures; setting up monitoring tools; providing support for computer information systems; and assisting in the management of cloud hosting subscriptions and resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of the data engineering lifecycle, experience with high-availability data services, and familiarity with agile delivery methods. They should be able to work with structured and unstructured datasets and modern data management tools. The role requires strong documentation skills and a commitment to gender equality in the workplace. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, and technological awareness.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. There are no specific job-related qualifications mentioned, but a first-level university degree or higher may reduce the minimum years of relevant experience required.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in data engineering, data integration, data management, software development, or related areas is required. This requirement is reduced to 8 years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS, as well as a strong foundation in Linux, is essential. Candidates should also have experience supporting data ingestion and transformation in cloud or hybrid environments, and familiarity with technologies like Docker and Kubernetes is desirable. Experience in an international or multi-location organization is also preferred.

Languages:
English is the required working language 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 there are no additional desirable languages specified for this job opening.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Nairobi. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.