Senior Data Scientist

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Position Title: Senior scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: 30th November 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Analytics Section of the Analytics and Project Management Service of the Business Transformation and Accountability Division (BTAD) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The organization focuses on enhancing management strategies, policies, and compliance to improve overall operational efficiency. The UN aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and projects.

Job Overview:
The Senior Data Scientist will play a pivotal role in the Analytics Section, overseeing the work program on data science. This includes providing both methodical and managerial supervision of all activities related to data science. The incumbent will lead efforts in exploring, identifying, and acquiring data sources, ensuring their suitability for decision-making processes that align with the organization's goals. The role requires fostering strong relationships with key clients to leverage data science methods effectively, thereby supporting their programmatic areas. The Senior Data Scientist will coordinate the design and development of data science products, utilizing advanced analytical methods such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics to derive insights that would otherwise remain hidden. Additionally, the position involves liaising with technology stakeholders to access necessary infrastructure and software for developing and deploying data science products, promoting data science solutions through client training, and creating customized visualization products to communicate findings effectively. The role also includes guiding and supervising staff, representing the organization at international meetings, and advising senior management on trends in data science.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Data Scientist will be responsible for planning and directing the work program on data science, managing staff, and evaluating their performance. Key duties include leading the exploration and acquisition of data sources, ensuring their quality for analytical use, and maintaining close working relationships with clients. The incumbent will coordinate the design and development of data science products, ensuring they reveal insights through advanced analytical methods. The role requires orchestrating liaison with technology stakeholders, promoting data science solutions through training, and developing customized visualization products. The Senior Data Scientist will guide and supervise staff, represent the organization at international meetings, and provide strategic advice to senior management on data science trends and developments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the data analysis life cycle, including data ingestion, wrangling, analysis, and visualization. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to build new products and drive innovative approaches. The ability to communicate complex data science topics in a relatable manner is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to manage conflicting priorities. Leadership skills, including the ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation in all areas of work, are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management, or a related area is required. Candidates must have at least five years of experience with statistical and computational methods, including clustering, forecasting, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and text analytics. Proficiency in data science tools such as Jupyter, Matlab, Knime, SPSS, SAS, and programming languages like R, Python, and Javascript is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of managerial experience, demonstrating leadership skills and the ability to manage teams and large projects effectively. Experience in leading innovative data science solutions for complex digital transformation initiatives is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of the post or funds. The United Nations encourages applications from candidates of under-represented Member States, emphasizing the importance of gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Staff members must fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.