Statistician

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Statistics, Data and Digital Service of the United Nations Trade and Development. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to upholding the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and fostering sustainable development across its member states.

Job Overview:
The Statistician role is crucial for the effective functioning of the Statistics Section within the UN Trade and Development. The incumbent will coordinate and supervise the development of methodologies for data collection, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected. This position involves planning and conducting analytical programs in relevant statistical areas, which includes identifying projects, conducting analyses, and participating in technical advisory activities aimed at enhancing national statistical capacities. The Statistician will also supervise the development of databases and web publishing tools, contributing to initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the role requires undertaking methodological research to assist countries in strengthening their statistical frameworks, developing new statistical methods, and providing guidance to Member States on statistical programs and projects. The position demands a proactive approach to planning and organizing seminars and workshops, as well as managing the work of the assigned section effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Statistician include:

• Coordinating and supervising the development of methods for obtaining relevant data.
• Ensuring the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability.
• Planning and conducting analytical programs of work in relevant statistical areas.
• Identifying projects and conducting analyses to support technical advisory activities for national capacity building.
• Supervising the development of relevant databases and web publishing tools.
• Undertaking methodological research regarding standards on concepts, definitions, and classifications.
• Developing new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for broader analyses.
• Providing guidance and advice to Member States’ experts in planning, operation, and evaluation of statistical programs.
• Planning and coordinating seminars, workshops, and expert meetings. 1
• Managing and supervising the work of the section assigned. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the head of the Statistics Section.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong foundation in statistics, mathematics, economics, or sociology, with a focus on statistical analysis and data management. Candidates must demonstrate sound knowledge of statistical programs such as SAS or R, and possess the ability to analyze and evaluate complex data. The role demands proficiency in writing complex reports and papers for publication, as well as the capability to understand the technical complexities of SDG indicators. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches for statistical development, particularly in trade and sustainable development statistics. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is critical for the analytical and methodological tasks required in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of official statistics on trade and development is required. Candidates with experience in leading projects aimed at enhancing the statistical capacity of developing countries will be viewed favorably. Familiarity with statistical software such as SAS, Python, and R is also desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to perform the required analyses effectively.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of either French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable, with varying levels of proficiency required for each language according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available until 30 November 2026, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of a fixed-term appointment following this temporary assignment. The position may involve periodic reassignment to different duty stations, and candidates are encouraged to follow all application instructions carefully. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment.