UN Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, uphold human rights, and foster social and economic progress. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a focus on addressing global challenges through collaboration and partnerships. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Islamabad, Pakistan. This role involves developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and analytics to optimize statistical efficiency and quality. The Data Specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including governmental counterparts, UN agencies, and NGOs, to enhance data-driven decision-making processes. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and patterns in data, supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts, and contributing to the development of tools that track progress against national SDG indicators. The Data Specialist will also play a leadership role in the UN data group, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across different organizational units.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: developing and implementing databases and data collection systems; analyzing trends and patterns in data; supporting the development of monitoring and evaluation products; creating reports and dashboards; documenting methodologies and establishing standards; leading the production of data products; collaborating with data engineers and scientists; conducting capacity-building activities; and ensuring alignment with national statistical processes. The role also involves delivering training on data analytics and results-based management, conducting outcome-level analysis, and supporting the integration of monitoring milestones into common data pipelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data manipulation and analysis, and experience with data visualization tools. Knowledge of database management and statistical methods is essential. The ability to assess data accuracy and consistency through validation processes is also required. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in data analysis is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines is required. 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. An active certificate in relevant areas such as data engineering or cloud platforms is desirable.

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 familiarity with data life cycle processes, including data collection, wrangling, analysis, visualization, and reporting. Experience in project management and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions are also desirable.

Languages:
English and Urdu are mandatory for this position, with proficiency at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an asset but not required.

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 Pakistan only, and candidates must possess national experience or knowledge of the local context. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary and intergovernmental approvals.