Senior Data Engineering Assistant

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Position Title: Senior Data Engineering Assistant
Location: Beirut
Country: Lebanon
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to serve 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa, ESCWA aims to provide a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for its member countries. It acts as a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA's activities are coordinated with various divisions and main offices of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Data Science and Decision-Support Division (DSDSD), where this position is located, is part of ESCWA’s modernization and innovation efforts, focusing on advanced analytics and decision-support services. The division aligns with the UN 2.0 agenda and utilizes data-driven insights and emerging technologies to inform policymaking and operations, ultimately supporting sustainable development outcomes regionally and globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Data Engineering Assistant will play a crucial role in the Data Science and Decision-Support Division (DSDSD) of ESCWA. This position involves responding to requests for data extraction, transformation, and loading, as well as preparing design documents and decision support for the creation of data pipelines. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a data catalogue and assembling complex data sets. The role requires providing input for the design and development of data infrastructure, drafting documentation, and maintaining specific information products. The Senior Data Engineering Assistant will also ensure data governance, protection, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, while guiding and supervising other general service staff. This position is integral to the division's mission of empowering evidence-based decision-making and fostering organizational efficiency through advanced data management and analytics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Data Engineering Assistant will have a range of responsibilities, including: responding to requests for data extraction, transformation, and loading; preparing design documents and decision support for data pipeline creation; maintaining a data catalogue; assembling complex data sets; providing input for the design and development of data infrastructure; drafting documentation and formal design documents; maintaining specific information products; assisting senior staff in providing information products; ensuring data governance, protection, and security; maintaining data management tools; guiding, training, and supervising other general service staff; and performing other duties as assigned. This role requires a thorough understanding of the data analysis life cycle and the ability to work with unstructured datasets, big data stores, and various technologies that process massive datasets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, software engineering, data science, statistics, applied mathematics, data management, information systems, or a related quantitative field is desirable. Additionally, technical certificates in AWS and/or Azure, as well as Prince2/PMP, are considered advantageous. The position demands a strong understanding of data analysis, data governance, and IT operations, along with experience in Agile Software Development methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree in relevant fields such as computer science, software engineering, data science, statistics, applied mathematics, data management, information systems, or information science is desirable. Technical certifications in cloud services like AWS or Azure, as well as project management certifications such as Prince2 or PMP, are also desirable qualifications that can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management, software development, database systems, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in data analysis, data warehousing, data lakes, data virtualization, and data governance is desirable, along with at least five (5) years of experience in a similar role. Experience within the UN system and familiarity with software processes and agile practices are also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is also beneficial, as it is a working language at ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for one year from the date of appointment or assignment, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, and satisfactory performance. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. This position falls under the General Service category, and candidates must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for their relocation expenses. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.