UN Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which operate under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office responsible for 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 strategic foresight. The organization emphasizes collaboration and the sharing of best practices among various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is critical for supporting the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Mogadishu, Somalia. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. This role requires interaction with various organizational units and external counterparts to ensure effective data management and analysis. The Data Specialist will also be tasked with creating reports, dashboards, and data visualizations to communicate findings to management and support decision-making processes. Additionally, the position involves capacity building through training staff on data analytics and ensuring that projects align with organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Specialist will perform a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: developing and implementing databases and data collection systems; analyzing trends and patterns in data; 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 supporting the assessment of statistical capacities. The role also includes supervising colleagues in data-centric roles, ensuring effective resource use, and collaborating on monitoring and evaluation processes. The Data Specialist will be expected to stay updated on data analytics trends and technologies, and to conduct outcome-level analyses to inform UN reporting and evaluations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, or social sciences. 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 minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, data visualization, and project management within the context of development cooperation. Skills in data storytelling and proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, and R are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to perform quality assurance on data outputs and assess data accuracy.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, or social sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex data systems and analytics methodologies necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Candidates should have experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, knowledge management, or project/programme management in development contexts. Familiarity with data visualization tools and quality assurance processes is also necessary for this role.

Languages:
English and Arabic are the mandatory languages for this position, with English being required at UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is also required at the same proficiency level. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available 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 only to nationals of Somalia, and candidates residing outside Somalia may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The UN is committed to achieving 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 recruitment process.