Data Analytics Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF's workforce reflects the diversity of the children it serves, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Data Analytics Specialist position at UNICEF is crucial for supporting the organization's mission of promoting children's rights globally. The incumbent will contribute to UNICEF's efforts by focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. This role involves generating, analyzing, and sharing high-quality data to drive results for children, thereby enabling informed decision-making and enhancing program impact. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Regional Chief of Programme and Planning, contributing to the strengthening of statistical and strategic analytical evidence on childhood issues in MENA countries. This includes generating data, conducting analyses, and enhancing public knowledge on child rights, wellbeing, and poverty. The role also involves monitoring and assessing progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and strengthening the capacity of UNICEF Country Offices, national governments, and regional partners to produce and utilize quality data and analyses on child rights-related issues. The specialist will also engage in child-focused foresight and predictive analytics, considering external factors such as demographic, geopolitical, and socio-economic influences, and their implications for programs and policies in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Analytics Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Generating and analyzing high-quality data to support UNICEF's programs and advocacy efforts.
• Collaborating with partners to strengthen evidence generation and data systems in the MENA region.
• Contributing to the development of national monitoring frameworks and improving the availability of disaggregated data.
• Supporting innovative approaches such as predictive analytics and frontier data use to enhance program effectiveness.
• Monitoring and assessing progress towards achieving SDGs for children and providing strategic analytical evidence on childhood issues.
• Strengthening the capacity of UNICEF Country Offices and regional partners in data production and analysis.
• Engaging in foresight and predictive analytics to inform program and policy decisions.
• Ensuring that the right information reaches the right stakeholders at the right time to drive results for children.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Social Science, Statistics, International Development, Demography, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Innovation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development, Research, and Analytical research. Strong data analysis and survey methodology skills are considered valuable assets for this role. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in promoting children's rights and wellbeing.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Science, Statistics, International Development, or Demography. This advanced educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of child rights and the analytical skills required for data-driven decision-making.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in fields such as Innovation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development, Research, and Analytical research. Experience in conducting MICS surveys and knowledge of innovative monitoring practices are highly desirable. Candidates should also have exposure to emergency contexts and development settings, particularly in fragile environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic and/or French is highly desirable, as these languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the MENA region. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (such as Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a focus on international professional employment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. Additionally, candidates may need to meet inoculation requirements, including vaccination against COVID-19.