UN 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) was transformed into a stand-alone office to oversee the resident coordinator system, ensuring it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The DCO focuses on data, digital innovation, behavioral science, and strategic foresight to foster a mission-driven organizational culture. The organization operates globally, with a commitment to achieving development priorities and the SDGs in various countries.

Job Overview:
The UN Data Specialist position is integral to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Port Sudan. The incumbent will interact with various stakeholders, including counterparts, technical staff, and external partners, to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The role requires a strong focus on data engineering and data science, as well as collaboration with UN funds, programs, and NGOs to share best practices. The Data Specialist will be responsible for producing data products, conducting analyses, and ensuring that data-driven insights inform decision-making processes. This position demands a proactive approach to identifying trends and patterns in data, as well as the ability to communicate findings effectively to management and other stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a wide range of duties, including:

• Developing and implementing databases and data collection systems to optimize statistical efficiency.
• Analyzing and interpreting data trends using statistical methods.
• Creating reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management.
• Documenting methodologies and establishing standards for data practices.
• Leading the production of data products such as reports and newsletters.
• Collaborating with data engineers to improve data quality and flows.
• Conducting capacity-building activities for staff on data analytics.
• Supporting project execution through robust data analysis.
• Identifying gaps in the National Statistical System and recommending coordinated responses. 1
• Conducting outcome-level analysis to inform UN reporting and evaluations. 1
• Supervising colleagues in data-centric roles. 1
• Ensuring effective resource use and alignment with project objectives. 1
• Collaborating on monitoring, evaluation, and learning cycles with national counterparts. 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, 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. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of data analytics and its application in development contexts, as well as the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in data management, statistical analysis, and information systems.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, data management, or related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in data storytelling and proficiency in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and assessing data accuracy is also essential. Desirable experience includes providing strategic support to research and data analysis in development cooperation contexts.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in both English and Arabic to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Sudan only, and candidates must be located within commuting distance of the office. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary approvals, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.