Individual Consultancy: Data Governance Implementation, Adoption and Stakeholder Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide expert support to the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director (OSE) for the implementation, socialization, and adoption of UNICEF’s data governance initiatives. The consultant will assess and enhance the data readiness of UNICEF’s key data assets for artificial intelligence (AI). Working closely with the Programme Manager, Data Governance Specialist, and DG engagement consultant, the consultant will translate technical products and guidance into practical engagement materials, facilitate stakeholder engagement, coordinate implementation activities, and strengthen organizational capacity to operationalize approved data governance products and services. The consultant will also document learning and ensure timely follow-through across various workstreams, which include conducting a Data Governance Maturity Assessment, supporting data roles, developing data quality guidelines, and creating a Data Governance Toolkit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducting a comprehensive Data Governance Maturity Assessment to evaluate current practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Supporting the establishment of clear data roles and responsibilities within the organization.
• Assessing key data assets to ensure they meet quality and readiness standards for AI applications.
• Developing and implementing Data Quality Guidelines to enhance data integrity and usability.
• Creating a Data Readiness for AI Assessment Tool to evaluate the preparedness of data assets for AI initiatives.
• Designing a Data Governance Toolkit that provides resources and frameworks for effective data governance practices.
• Engaging stakeholders through effective communication and socialization strategies to promote data governance initiatives.
• Coordinating implementation activities and providing adoption support to ensure successful integration of data governance practices across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in fields such as Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Governance, Statistics, or Public Policy with a strong data component. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in data governance, data management, data strategy, information management, data architecture, analytics, or related fields. Experience in establishing data accountability models, data quality management, and supporting AI readiness initiatives is essential. Familiarity with international organizations, particularly in the development sector, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Governance, Statistics, or Public Policy with a strong emphasis on data management and governance.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to data governance and management. This includes experience in data strategy, information management, data architecture, and analytics, as well as a proven track record in supporting AI readiness and responsible data initiatives. Experience working in international, multilateral, governmental, non-governmental, or development-sector organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNICEF's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on international recruitment. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its values, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.