UN Associate 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 promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes various agencies and programs, aims to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity building. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this system by coordinating the efforts of UN agencies at the country level to ensure effective and efficient delivery of development assistance. The UN RCO in Mauritania is focused on supporting the country in its development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs, under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator. The UN has a diverse workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide, operating in more than 170 countries and territories, and is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its ranks.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Nouakchott, Mauritania. This role is designed to enhance the UN's capacity to utilize data effectively in decision-making processes related to development, humanitarian, and peace initiatives. The Associate Data Specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and external partners, to develop and implement robust data systems and analytics that support the UN's mission. The position requires a strong understanding of data engineering and analytics, as well as the ability to communicate findings clearly to inform strategic decisions. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to the development of innovative data solutions that align with the UN's goals and enhance the overall effectiveness of the RCO's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Data Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing databases and data collection systems that enhance statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyzing and interpreting data trends and patterns using statistical methods.
• Maintaining and quality-assuring databases, including UN INFO and CF results data.
• Creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management.
• Documenting methodologies and establishing standards for data practices.
• Drafting inputs for various documents and reports.
• Monitoring and analyzing model performance and data accuracy.
• Automating manual processes and optimizing data delivery.
• Collaborating with data engineers and scientists to improve data flows. 1
• Conducting data collection and preliminary analysis to identify patterns. 1
• Supporting capacity building through training and workshops for UN personnel. 1
• Contributing to the design of advanced data science products using AI and machine learning techniques. 1
• Serving as a resource and mentor on data analytics within the RCO. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in data analytics and management, with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. They should demonstrate proficiency in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and possess skills in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and R. The role requires a commitment to maintaining data integrity and accuracy, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with a commitment to the principles of sustainable development.

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

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics or a related area is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions and performing quality assurance on data analysis outputs. Experience in assessing data accuracy and consistency through validation processes is desirable, as is familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques. One year or more of experience specifically in data analytics is also desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each language according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Mauritania, and candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Mauritania nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the understanding that they would bear any costs related to relocation. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to various approvals and candidates are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.