Intern on Data Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The African Centre for Statistics (ACS) is a division of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is part of the United Nations. The ACS is dedicated to enhancing the quality and credibility of statistical data and geospatial information across Africa. The organization aims to support evidence-based planning and policymaking in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 206

• The ACS is led by a director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). It operates with a mission to improve statistical production and dissemination, and it is structured into three main sections: Data Capability and Geospatial Knowledge, Statistical Production, Methods and Research, and Coordination, Partnership and Policy Outreach. The ACS plays a crucial role in the development of national and sectoral plans across various African countries, ensuring that data-driven decisions are made for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the African Centre for Statistics is designed for individuals who are keen to gain practical experience in statistical data analysis and management. The intern will work closely with the Director of the ACS and will be involved in various tasks that support the Centre's mission of improving data quality and accessibility. The role will include responsibilities such as statistical data compilation, economic data management, and research assistance for policy-oriented analytical work. The intern will also contribute to the development of dashboards and data tools, documentation, and reporting, as well as participate in capacity-building and training activities. The expected outcomes of the internship include organized datasets, timely analytical outputs, improved documentation practices, and enhanced support for ongoing statistical work. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of data analysis in a global context, particularly within the framework of the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Director of the African Centre for Statistics. Key responsibilities include:

• Profiling use cases for emerging data sources and evaluating their suitability for addressing existing data gaps.
• Assisting in the compilation of metadata from various national and international statistical websites.
• Supporting the ongoing comparability of African development indicators across different databases.
• Contributing to the creation of statistical tools aimed at automating analytical processes.
• Providing insights on emerging tools for modern visualization of statistical results.
• Preparing statistical summaries that include methods and key findings. These duties are designed to enhance the intern's analytical skills and provide practical experience in the field of statistics and data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the internship. These include: (a) being enrolled in, or having completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) being enrolled in, or having completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). It is strongly desirable for candidates to have completed a master's degree or to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a development-related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of data analysis and its application in policy-making.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this internship position are quite specific. Candidates should either be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate program, which is defined as a second university degree or equivalent. Additionally, candidates should also have completed or be in the final year of a first university degree program, which is typically a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Preference will be given to those who have completed a master's degree or are pursuing a Ph.D. in fields related to development, statistics, economics, or social sciences, as this knowledge is crucial for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of statistical analysis and data management. The internship is designed for individuals who are either in the process of completing their academic qualifications or have recently graduated. Therefore, relevant academic projects, coursework, or internships that demonstrate an understanding of data analysis, statistical methods, or related fields will be beneficial. The internship serves as an entry point for those looking to gain practical experience in the field of statistics and data analysis within an international context.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a mandatory requirement for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates who possess proficiency in an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, will have an advantage in the selection process. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Furthermore, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Ethiopia may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is advised that successful candidates discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all candidates.