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 independent 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 to oversee the resident coordinator system, ensuring it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The DCO focuses on data, digital innovation, behavioral science, and strategic foresight to create a mission-driven organizational culture. The UN RCO in Nigeria is part of this global initiative, working to support the country's development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Abuja, Nigeria. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and external partners, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The Data Specialist will be responsible for identifying trends and patterns in data, developing reports and dashboards, and ensuring effective communication of findings to management. This position requires a proactive approach to data management and analytics, with a focus on building capacity within the team and supporting the overall objectives of the UN in Nigeria. The Data Specialist will also engage in training staff on data analytics and contribute to the development of data products that inform decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: 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 for data practices; leading the production of data products; drafting inputs for various documents; collaborating with other organizational units to express data needs; improving data flows and quality; staying updated on data analytics trends; conducting training sessions for staff; supervising colleagues in data-centric roles; executing specific projects; and collaborating on monitoring and evaluation processes. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of data analytics and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

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 perform quality assurance on data analysis outputs. Experience in development cooperation or related areas is desirable, along with a commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

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. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of data management and analytics in the context of the UN's mission.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions, is required. Candidates should have experience in data storytelling and proficiency in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, 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, knowledge management, or project/programme management within the context of development cooperation.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not specified as a desirable language for this position. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills according to the UN Language Framework, ensuring effective communication within the organization and with external partners.

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 budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Nigeria only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are urged to apply online as soon as possible.