UN Associate Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General 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, supporting countries in their development priorities. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator System and ensuring optimal support for the 2030 Agenda. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aims to integrate data, digital innovation, and behavioral science into its operations, fostering a mission-driven organizational culture.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist will be integral to the UN Resident Coordination Office in Bangkok, Thailand. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and external partners from UN agencies and NGOs. The role focuses on developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and analytics to enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The Associate Data Specialist will also contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, ensuring that data-driven insights inform decision-making processes. This position requires a proactive approach to data management and analysis, with an emphasis on improving data quality and accessibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing databases and data collection systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Key duties include analyzing trends using statistical methods, improving data analytics processes, and maintaining databases. The Associate Data Specialist will contribute to the development of MEL products, assist in statistical capacity-building, and conduct outcome-level analyses. Additional responsibilities include preparing data for analysis, supporting team members in data verification, and assisting with monitoring and evaluation cycles. The role may also involve conducting training sessions on data analytics and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a strong understanding of data manipulation and analysis concepts, as well as experience with database management and quality assurance of data outputs. Knowledge of the data life cycle, including data collection, wrangling, analysis, and reporting, is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data manipulation and analysis is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of foundational concepts in data analysis, including statistical methods and data structures. Experience in database management and the ability to perform quality assurance on data analysis outputs is desirable. Familiarity with the data life cycle, from collection to reporting, is also beneficial.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Thailand only, and candidates must have a national context for their functions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the recruitment process is free of charge.