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 empowered UN Resident Coordinator. This role is pivotal in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and achieve the SDGs. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator System. The DCO's functions include managerial oversight and ensuring that the RC system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight. The UN RCO in Bangui is part of this global initiative, working towards sustainable development in the Central African Republic.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is crucial for the UN Resident Coordination Office in Bangui, where the incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies to enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The role involves identifying and interpreting trends in data, supporting the development of monitoring and evaluation products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, and ensuring the integration of monitoring milestones into common data pipelines. The specialist will also be tasked with creating interactive data visualizations, leading the production of data products, and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve data quality and flows. This position requires a proactive approach to building statistical capacity and supporting the national statistical system, ensuring that the UN's data-driven initiatives align with national priorities and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the UN Data Specialist include developing and implementing databases and data collection systems, analyzing trends using statistical methods, and creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings. The incumbent will document methodologies, establish data visualization standards, and lead the production of key data products such as the annual United Nations Country Results Report. Responsibilities also include supporting the integration of monitoring indicators into data pipelines, collaborating with data engineers, and conducting training sessions on data analytics for staff and government partners. The specialist will supervise colleagues in data-centric roles, ensure effective resource use in project execution, and contribute to the overall monitoring and evaluation cycle within the UN framework. Additionally, the role involves conducting capacity-building activities and delivering training on results-based management and evaluation techniques.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in data manipulation and analysis, demonstrated through a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience. Knowledge of data life cycles, including collection, wrangling, analysis, visualization, and reporting, is essential. Proficiency in data storytelling and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and R is required. Familiarity with UN INFO or similar platforms for results monitoring is desirable, along with experience in consolidating multi-entity program data for annual reporting. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical skills and the ability to assess data accuracy and consistency.

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:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in data manipulation and analysis, showcasing a deep understanding of foundational concepts in these areas. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with data life cycles and possess skills in data visualization and storytelling. Experience with UN INFO or similar platforms is an advantage, as is the ability to analyze and consolidate data for reporting purposes.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. English is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

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 the Central African Republic, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must provide complete and accurate information in their applications, as this will be the basis for assessing eligibility and suitability for the position.