Data Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms since January 1, 2019, aimed at enhancing 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 supporting countries to meet their development priorities and SDGs, led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level.

Job Overview:
The Data Specialist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordination Office in Uruguay, specifically in Montevideo. The role involves establishing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including counterparts, senior officers, and technical staff in data engineering and data science. The Data Specialist is responsible for managing the development and implementation of databases, data collection systems, and data analytics strategies that enhance statistical efficiency and quality. This position requires collaboration with UN funds, programs, and other international organizations to exchange information and best practices. The incumbent will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader, and will be expected to lead data analytics projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and effective communication of data insights to non-technical stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Specialist will manage the development and implementation of databases and data collection systems, lead the identification and analysis of trends using statistical methods, and conduct comprehensive data lifecycle analysis. Responsibilities include translating data requirements into analytical solutions, leading data visualization efforts, managing outreach materials, collaborating with colleagues on data-driven projects, and ensuring technical proficiency in data outputs. The role also involves building staff capacity in data analytics through training and workshops, managing team activities, and overseeing resource allocation within budget constraints. The Data Specialist will perform quality assurance for data analysis outputs and provide guidance to promote professional development within the team.

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 related quantitative fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The role requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in data manipulation and analysis, proficiency in relational databases (SQL), and programming languages such as Python and R. Project management skills and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions are essential, along with familiarity with version control tools like Git and quality assurance practices for data outputs.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in data manipulation and analysis, demonstrating knowledge of foundational concepts such as data structures and statistical methods. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in relational databases (SQL) and programming languages (Python, R), along with project management capabilities. Experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions is desirable, as is familiarity with version control tools like Git and quality assurance of data analysis outputs.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish 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 in these languages is beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

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 external candidates, and those selected will receive a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Internal applicants must ensure their profiles are complete and up to date. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.