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). 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. 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 a mission-driven culture. The UN RCO in Nairobi, Kenya, is responsible for coordinating efforts among various UN entities and stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist is a pivotal role within the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Nairobi, Kenya. This position involves collaborating with various counterparts, including technical staff and data specialists, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and data analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The incumbent will engage with external partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and government entities, to share information and best practices. The role supports the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and various groups focused on monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) by ensuring the quality and validation of agency inputs, tracking indicators, and preparing analytical products for reviews. The Associate Data Specialist will also contribute to the development of digital tools and dashboards that align with national SDG frameworks, ensuring effective communication of data insights and supporting decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Implementing databases and data collection systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyzing trends and patterns in data using statistical methods.
• Improving processes for data analytics tasks and maintaining databases.
• Developing MEL products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.
• Collaborating on digital tools that track national SDG indicators.
• Creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings.
• Assisting with data collection and initial analysis for project tasks.
• Producing data products such as reports or newsletters.
• Integrating monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. 1
• Supporting statistical capacity-building efforts within the UNCT. 1
• Compiling data insights for stakeholder communications. 1
• Staying updated on data analytics best practices and technologies. 1
• Conducting outcome-level analysis for UN reporting. 1
• Building staff capacity on data analytics through training. 1
• Monitoring and supporting national statistical processes. 1
• Identifying gaps in the national statistical system and proposing solutions. 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess knowledge of foundational concepts in data manipulation and analysis, including statistical methods and the data life cycle. They should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with data owners and inter-agency counterparts. The role requires strategic thinking to link data and analytics to Cooperation Framework priorities, as well as analytical thinking to identify trends and patterns. Candidates should show professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

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 social sciences is required. Alternatively, 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 analysis or a related area is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of data manipulation and analysis concepts, including proficiency in relational databases (SQL) and programming languages such as Python and R. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs is also necessary. Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI is desirable, as is experience in supporting results monitoring or evaluation of UN Cooperation Frameworks.

Languages:
English and Kiswahili are the mandatory working languages for this position. Proficiency in English is required at UN Level II, and the same applies to Kiswahili. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position 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 Kenya only, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.