UN Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
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 nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and goals. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a focus on sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding efforts.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is integral to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Juba, South Sudan. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and external partners, to develop and implement data systems and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The Data Specialist will be responsible for creating databases, analyzing trends, and producing reports that inform decision-making related to development, humanitarian, and peace initiatives. This position requires a strong understanding of data analytics and the ability to communicate findings effectively to management and other stakeholders. The incumbent will also be tasked with building the capacity of staff in data analytics through training and support, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of data-driven decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing databases and data collection systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyzing and interpreting trends or patterns in data using statistical methods.
• Creating reports, dashboards, and tools to summarize findings for management.
• Documenting requirements and establishing standards for data practices.
• Producing data visualizations to aid in decision-making.
• Leading the production of data products such as reports and newsletters.
• Drafting inputs for various documents and correspondence.
• Collaborating with other organizational units to express data needs.
• Keeping abreast of trends in data analytics and updating management with findings. 1
• Conducting training sessions for staff on data analytics. 1
• Supporting project execution through robust data analysis. 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or social sciences. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization tools, and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training in data science, statistics, or related disciplines that equip the candidate with the necessary skills for data analysis and management.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, data management, or related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions and possess skills in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or R. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and assessing data accuracy is desirable, as is experience in providing strategic support in development cooperation contexts.

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 UN, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills in English, tailored to various audiences.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of South Sudan only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, South Sudan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions periodically. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.