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 independent UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The organization focuses on supporting countries in achieving their development priorities and the SDGs, emphasizing collaboration and information exchange among various stakeholders, including UN funds, programs, and NGOs.

Job Overview:
The Data Specialist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The role involves interacting with various organizational units and external counterparts to develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. The Data Specialist will be responsible for analyzing trends, developing reports and dashboards, and creating data visualizations to support decision-making processes. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying data needs and improving data analysis processes, as well as conducting training for staff to build their capacity in data analytics. The incumbent will also be expected to stay updated on emerging trends in data analytics and contribute to the overall strategic objectives of the UN RCO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret trends or patterns using statistical methods to identify relevant features in structured and unstructured data.
• Create various analysis, reporting, and quality control capabilities; identify appropriate data sources for analytics projects.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and tools to summarize findings and convey information effectively.
• Document requirements and methodologies, establishing standards for documentation practices.
• Create interactive and static data visualizations using advanced features of data visualization tools.
• Lead the production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities.
• Draft inputs for a wide range of documents, including reports and briefings.
• Establish communication with other organizational parts to request data and express data needs. 1
• Collaborate with data engineers and scientists to improve data flows and quality. 1
• Stay informed about current trends in data analytics best practices and technologies. 1
• Conduct capacity-building activities for staff on data analytics. 1
• Support project execution through robust data analysis and collaboration with team members. 1
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, or a related quantitative field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of data analytics and its application in development contexts, as well as the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, data management, information systems, information science, or a related quantitative field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, demonstrating the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is required. Candidates should have experience in data storytelling and proficiency in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R. Experience in quality assurance of data analysis outputs and assessing data accuracy is desirable. Additionally, experience in providing strategic support to research, data analysis, knowledge management, or project/programme management in development cooperation is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding). Knowledge of another language is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Sierra Leone only, and candidates residing outside Sierra Leone may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.