Data Specialist

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Position Title: Data Specialist
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's unique challenges.

Job Overview:
The Data Specialist position is located within the Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The primary focus of this role is to generate and communicate data-driven analyses and insights that support decision-making processes. The Data Specialist will work closely with the Chief of the section and will be responsible for identifying new data analysis opportunities, developing recommendations to enhance the competitiveness of digital businesses in Africa, and implementing data collection strategies tailored to the African digital economy. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to integrate data analytics into various projects and initiatives, ensuring that data-driven insights are effectively utilized in decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: locating and defining new data analysis process improvement opportunities; developing data-driven recommendations and solutions to enhance digital business competitiveness; designing and implementing data collection strategies and analytical frameworks; identifying appropriate data sources for analytics projects; collaborating with data engineers and scientists to improve data flows and quality; developing databases and data collection systems; analyzing and interpreting trends or patterns using statistical methods and machine learning techniques; working with cross-functional teams to integrate analytics into projects; and performing other duties as required. The role demands a high level of professionalism, creativity, and client orientation, ensuring that the needs of stakeholders are met effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent analytical skills with the ability to manage and disseminate significant amounts of information accurately. A strong understanding of data analysis theories, concepts, and approaches is essential, along with the ability to develop and implement dashboards for decision-making. Proficiency in report writing and presenting findings is required, as well as the ability to quality-check work completed by team members. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work, showcasing professionalism and a strong work ethic.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, information technology, analytics, statistics, information management, public administration, or management is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in applied analytics, business intelligence, information management, statistics, project management, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience using data to inform decisions and strategies, as well as familiarity with self-service analytics and data visualization applications such as MS PowerBI, Qlik, or Tableau. Experience with business intelligence tools and managing version control using Git is desirable, along with knowledge of database or programming languages such as SQL, Python, or R.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, either English or French, is required, with knowledge of the other being desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.