UN Associate Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which are led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's mission is to ensure that the UN system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The organization operates globally, with a commitment to sustainable development and collaboration across various UN agencies and partners.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Azerbaijan. This position involves engaging with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and subject matter experts, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will be responsible for advancing evidence-based decision-making to implement the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Azerbaijan. The role encompasses data management, analytics, strategic partnerships for data and research, monitoring and reporting, and knowledge management to facilitate the achievement of the SDGs in the country. The position is situated within the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Baku, Azerbaijan, and reports directly to the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Implementing databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyzing and interpreting trends or patterns in data using statistical methods.
• Improving processes for data analytics tasks, acquiring and cleaning data from various sources, and maintaining databases.
• Developing reports, dashboards, and tools to summarize findings and communicate information effectively.
• Tracking and reporting on progress related to specific data initiatives.
• Creating basic data visualization outputs to support decision-making.
• Assisting with data collection and initial analysis, and reporting unresolved issues to senior staff.
• Producing data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities.
• Gathering business requirements across departments to identify pain points and support data-driven analysis. 1
• Compiling data insights and developing materials for stakeholder communications. 1
• Staying updated on trends and developments in data analytics best practices and technologies. 1
• Supporting capacity-building activities for staff on data analytics, including training sessions. 1
• Assisting team members with data verification and routine reporting tasks. 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. Alternatively, 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. The position requires a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and write reports on relevant issues. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, data management, information systems, information science, economic or social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience is required, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Candidates should have experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs, assessing data accuracy, and performing data validation. Skills in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R are desirable. Familiarity with the data life cycle, including data collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting, is also preferred. Previous experience with the UN or other international organizations is an advantage.

Languages:
English and Azerbaijani are required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Russian is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The position is open to nationals of Azerbaijan only, and candidates residing elsewhere may be considered at their own expense for relocation. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must follow the online application process and provide complete and accurate information.