UN Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, 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 this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aims to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda through data-driven strategies and innovation. The UNRC Office for Samoa operates with a multi-country status, covering Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, and is located in Apia, Samoa, under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and data analytics to optimize statistical efficiency and quality. This role involves analyzing trends and patterns in data, creating reports and dashboards, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs. The specialist will also document methodologies, establish data visualization tools, and lead the production of data products. The position requires a proactive approach to building staff capacity in data analytics and ensuring that projects align with work plan objectives. The incumbent will need to stay updated on emerging trends in data analytics and contribute to the overall mission of the UN in achieving sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies to enhance statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret data trends using statistical methods to identify relevant features in both structured and unstructured data sources.
• Create various analysis and reporting capabilities, identifying appropriate data sources for analytics projects.
• Develop reports and dashboards to summarize findings and communicate information effectively to management.
• Document requirements and methodologies, establishing standards for documentation practices.
• Create interactive and static data visualizations to support decision-making processes.
• Lead the production of data products such as reports and newsletters related to data analysis.
• Draft inputs for a variety of documents, including reports and briefings.
• Establish communication with other organizational units to request data and express data needs. 1
• Collaborate with data engineers and scientists to enhance data flows and quality. 1
• Stay informed about current trends in data analytics and update management with findings. 1
• Conduct training sessions to build staff capacity in data analytics. 1
• Support project execution through robust data analysis and collaboration with team members. 1
• Perform 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 knowledge of foundational concepts in data manipulation and analysis, as well as proficiency in data storytelling and visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. Skills in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and data validation are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or social sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data manipulation and analysis is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in data storytelling and proficiency in data visualization tools. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and the ability to assess data accuracy and consistency is desirable. Additionally, the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is also preferred.

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 United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position.

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 Samoa only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, SAMOA nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.