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). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) has been transformed into a standalone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring alignment with the SDGs. The DCO has recalibrated its operations to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The UN RCO in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, is part of this system, working to support national development priorities and the achievement of the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist is responsible for collaborating with various stakeholders, including counterparts, technical staff, and data specialists, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and data analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. This role involves engaging with external partners, including UN funds and specialized agencies, to share information and best practices. The position is situated within the UN Resident Coordination Office in Malabo and reports directly to the Head of the Office. The Associate Data Specialist will also contribute to the creation of data visualization outputs, support capacity-building activities, and assist in monitoring and evaluation processes to reinforce national statistical standards and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing databases and data collection systems that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. They will analyze trends and patterns using statistical methods, implement process improvements for data analytics tasks, and maintain databases. The role includes keeping updated on UN efforts in co-designing digital tools for tracking SDG progress, creating data visualization outputs, and integrating monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. The Associate Data Specialist will compile data insights, assist in training staff on data analytics, and support the monitoring and evaluation cycle to enhance national statistical processes. Additional responsibilities include data preparation, verification, and routine reporting tasks, as well as administrative support for the work plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, or related quantitative disciplines. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions, performing quality assurance of data analysis outputs, and assessing data accuracy through validation. Skills in data storytelling and visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R are desirable, along with experience in data analytics or related areas.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, data management, information systems, information science, or a related quantitative field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be accepted in combination with qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and perform quality assurance on data analysis outputs. Experience in assessing data accuracy and consistency through validation is desirable, as is familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.

Languages:
English and Spanish are mandatory for this position, with English being required at UN Level II and Spanish at UN Level III. French is considered desirable, also at UN Level II. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN Secretariat and with external partners.

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 Equatorial Guinea, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Equatorial Guinea nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not require any fees at any stage of the hiring process.