UN Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System has undergone significant reform since January 1, 2019, aimed at enhancing its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform includes the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which are led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator. This office plays a crucial role in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and achieve the SDGs. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) has been transformed into a stand-alone entity within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The DCO focuses on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight, embodying a mission-driven organizational culture.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is integral to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Maputo, Mozambique. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN funds, programs, and specialized agencies, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The Data Specialist will interact with counterparts and technical staff to optimize data processes and will be responsible for producing data products such as reports and dashboards. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and patterns in data, as well as the ability to communicate findings effectively to management. The Data Specialist will also play a key role in building the capacity of staff in data analytics and ensuring that projects align with organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Developing and implementing databases and data collection systems;
• Analyzing trends and patterns in data;
• Creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings;
• Documenting methodologies and establishing standards;
• Leading the production of data products;
• Collaborating with other organizational units to express data needs;
• Keeping abreast of data analytics trends;
• Conducting training sessions for staff;
• Supporting project execution through robust data analysis; 1
• Identifying gaps in the National Statistical System (NSS); 1
• Conducting outcome-level analysis for UN reporting; 1
• Supervising colleagues in data-centric roles; 1
• Monitoring and evaluating projects; 1
• Utilizing resources for analysis and reporting; 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and analysis.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience is required, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Candidates should have experience in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and R. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and assessing data accuracy is also necessary. Desirable experience includes providing strategic support to research and data analysis in the context of development cooperation.

Languages:
English and Portuguese are the mandatory languages for this position. English is required at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Portuguese is required at UN Level III for reading and speaking, and Level I for writing and listening. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Mozambique only, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees.