UN Associate 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). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which operate under the leadership of an empowered 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 strategic foresight. The organization operates globally, with a focus on supporting countries in their development priorities and achieving the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist plays a crucial role in the UN's efforts to enhance data management and analytics to support the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN entities, government counterparts, and civil society organizations, to develop and implement data systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will be responsible for consolidating and validating agency inputs, tracking indicators and milestones, and preparing analytical products for reviews and discussions. The role emphasizes the importance of using data and analytical insights to monitor progress, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making within the UN Country Team (UNCT).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies to enhance statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret trends using statistical methods to identify relevant features in data.
• Improve data analytics processes and maintain databases.
• Develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for the UNSDCF.
• Collaborate with national statistical partners to design digital tools for tracking SDG progress.
• Create reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management.
• Develop data visualization outputs to aid decision-making.
• Assist with data collection and preliminary analysis, reporting issues to senior staff.
• Produce data products such as reports or newsletters. 1
• Integrate monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. 1
• Support statistical capacity-building within the UNCT. 1
• Compile data insights for stakeholder communications. 1
• Stay updated on data analytics best practices and technologies. 1
• Conduct outcome-level analysis and contribute to evaluations. 1
• Build staff capacity on data analytics through training. 1
• Support the MEL cycle to reinforce national statistical processes. 1
• Conduct data gathering and preliminary analysis for organizational advancement. 1
• Identify new data sources and techniques. 1
• Develop processes to monitor data accuracy. 2
• Conduct data cleaning and analysis to identify patterns. 2
• Design data science products using advanced analytical methods. 2
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
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 is required. A Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and skills in translating business requirements into technical solutions, database management, data validation, data storytelling, and visualization tools. Project management skills and the ability to develop and execute training programs are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess 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. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data management, analytics, or related fields is required. Candidates should have experience in database management, data validation, and the use of data visualization tools. Skills in project management and developing training programs are essential, along with a demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.

Languages:
English and Portuguese are required for this position. English is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in Portuguese is also necessary. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

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 Angola 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.