Chief of the Data and Analytics Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population data, working to ensure that high-quality, disaggregated, and timely data underpin policy, advocacy, programming, and results. UNFPA's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Data and Analytics Branch (DAB) serves as UNFPA’s Chief Statistician and principal authority on population, health, gender, and development data. This position is crucial for leading UNFPA’s work across the full data value chain, which includes data generation, analysis, dissemination, and use. The Chief is responsible for ensuring that high-quality data informs policy and programming decisions, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of UNFPA’s initiatives. The role requires a strategic vision and technical leadership to position UNFPA as a global leader in population data, demographic intelligence, and data innovation. The Chief will oversee the transformation of foundational population data systems through the integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and geospatial analytics, ensuring that these innovations align with the ICPD Programme of Action and the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall vision, strategic direction, and leadership for UNFPA’s data and analytic agenda across the data value chain.
• Serve as the principal adviser to senior management on population data, statistics, and geospatial analysis.
• Lead the implementation of UNFPA’s corporate Data Strategy, ensuring alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s Data Strategy and the Strategic Plan (2026–2029).
• Position UNFPA as a global leader in modern population data systems, integrating traditional data with innovative digital, AI, and geospatial approaches.
• Oversee the development of standards, methodologies, and global tools for data collection, analysis, dissemination, and use.
• Ensure robust data governance, protection, and ethical use, including responsible application of AI.
• Lead UNFPA’s global evidence generation agenda, ensuring high-quality, policy-relevant outputs.
• Oversee flagship publications, including contributions to the State of the World Population Report.
• Guide the development of analytical series, technical papers, and policy briefs. 1
• Promote innovative approaches to data visualization and dissemination. 1
• Lead support for foundational population data systems, ensuring modernization through digital transformation. 1
• Promote innovation in data collection and the use of AI and machine learning. 1
• Lead strategic engagement with UN agencies, international financial institutions, and private sector partners. 1
• Provide strategic leadership for strengthening national statistical systems and data ecosystems. 1
• Lead resource mobilization for UNFPA’s data and analytics agenda. 1
• Manage the Data and Analytics Branch, ensuring effective collaboration and performance oversight. 1
• Perform additional tasks as required by the Division Director or Senior Management.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Statistics, Data Science, Demography, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration and international development, including at least 8 years at the international level in data, statistics, population, or related fields.
• Recognized technical authority and thought leader in population data, statistics, and data systems.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, delivering measurable results.
• Strong track record in resource mobilization and management of complex initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Statistics, Data Science, Demography, Economics, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of population data and analytics, as well as for leading innovative approaches to data collection and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration and international development. This includes at least 8 years of experience at the international level in data, statistics, population, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale initiatives, as well as experience in global partnerships and inter-agency coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNFPA's work.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to support their participation in the recruitment process. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.