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) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO aims to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda through data-driven approaches and innovative practices.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist is responsible for collaborating with various stakeholders, including data engineers, data scientists, and subject matter experts, 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 Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and reports directly to the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office. The Associate Data Specialist will also contribute to the capacity building of staff in data analytics and support the preparation of reports and dashboards to communicate findings effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing databases and data collection systems, optimizing statistical efficiency and quality. They will analyze trends using statistical methods, improve data analytics processes, and maintain databases. The role includes developing reports and dashboards, tracking progress on data initiatives, creating data visualization outputs, and assisting with data collection and analysis. The Associate Data Specialist will also compile data insights for stakeholder communications, stay updated on data analytics trends, and contribute to training staff on data analytics. Other responsibilities include supporting team members in data verification and routine reporting tasks, and performing additional related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills and a solid understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts. They should be able to identify data collection sources, conduct research, analyze data, and draft reports on sustainable development issues. The role requires professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 is required, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs, data validation, and familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and R is desirable. Knowledge of the data life cycle, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, is also preferred, along with project management skills.

Languages:
English and Mongolian are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Russian is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Mongolia only, and candidates must have national experience or knowledge of the national language and culture. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees.