Data Engineer Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and comprises 21 member countries in Western Asia and North Africa. The organization provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies, serves as a platform for congress and coordination, and acts as a home for expertise and knowledge. ESCWA's activities are coordinated with various UN divisions and specialized agencies, as well as international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The organization is committed to supporting sustainable development outcomes regionally and globally through its various initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Data Engineer Consultant position is designed to provide technical expertise in the design, implementation, and optimization of data pipelines, cloud-based infrastructure, and knowledge graph frameworks. The role is crucial for enabling scalable and intelligent data products that support high-level decision-making processes. The consultant will work within the Data Science and Decision-Support Division (DSDSD) of ESCWA, which is focused on modernization and innovation efforts. The DSDSD aims to leverage data-driven insights and emerging technologies to inform policymaking and operations, aligning with the UN 2.0 agenda. The consultant will collaborate closely with data scientists, digital product managers, and thematic experts to develop and optimize data systems and architectures that support strategic data initiatives. Performance will be reviewed monthly based on deliverables and milestones, ensuring accountability and progress towards the organization's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Implementing robust and scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using programming languages such as Python, R, or Spark for processing both structured and unstructured datasets across various sectors.
• Supporting the development of data lake architecture by integrating multiple data sources into a unified environment for analytics and AI workflows.
• Developing guidelines for metadata-driven systems to ensure data lineage, traceability, and semantic enrichment.
• Implementing RESTful APIs and backend services using languages like Python, C#, or Node.js to facilitate secure and efficient data access and integration with both internal and external platforms.
• Integrating cloud services, particularly Azure, with internal data systems and external partner APIs for real-time data exchange.
• Automating CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitHub Actions, Docker, and Kubernetes to enhance delivery, testing, and deployment processes.
• Implementing DevOps best practices to support continuous innovation and system monitoring.
• Developing knowledge graphs and ontologies using Neo4j or similar tools, embedding NLP pipelines and SDG classifications to enhance semantic search and policy simulations.
• Optimizing databases and data pipelines for enterprise-scale analytics and reporting, including performance tuning and data partitioning strategies. 1
• Setting up and maintaining environments for interactive analytics and modeling, supporting AI/ML experimentation and visualization pipelines. 1
• Providing training and documentation to enhance the capacity of internal teams to effectively leverage data pipelines and APIs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Data Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in designing and deploying large-scale data systems is required, with a demonstrated background in consultancy or technical leadership roles. Proven experience with programming languages such as Python and SQL, as well as familiarity with cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and container orchestration (Kubernetes), is essential. Additionally, strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are required, along with a solid understanding of semantic modeling, knowledge graphs, and AI/ML integration for data systems being desirable.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Data Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is mandatory for this position. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the importance of providing all necessary documentation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in the field of data engineering, specifically in designing and deploying large-scale data systems. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in consultancy or technical leadership roles, showcasing their ability to manage complex projects and lead teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, given that it is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of Arabic is considered beneficial but not mandatory, with a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas being sufficient.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.