Associate 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 countries, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting countries in their development priorities. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this mission, providing leadership and coordination for development efforts at the country level.

Job Overview:
The Associate Data Specialist position is integral to the UN's efforts in data management and analytics, contributing to the effective implementation of databases and data collection systems. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and technical staff, to enhance data quality and statistical efficiency. The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing trends, developing reports, and creating data visualization tools to support decision-making processes. The position requires a proactive approach to data analytics, ensuring that the UN's development initiatives are informed by accurate and timely data. The Associate Data Specialist will also engage in capacity-building activities, training staff on data analytics best practices, and contributing to the overall mission of the UN in achieving the SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage databases and data collection systems to optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Analyze and interpret data trends using statistical methods to identify relevant features in structured data sources.
• Develop process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks, including data acquisition and cleaning.
• Create reports, dashboards, and tools to summarize findings and communicate information effectively to management.
• Track and report on progress regarding specific data initiatives within the department.
• Produce data visualization outputs to aid in decision-making and communication of analysis results.
• Assist with data collection and initial analysis, reporting unresolved issues to senior staff.
• Contribute to the production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities.
• Gather business requirements across departments to identify pain points and support data-driven analysis. 1
• Compile data insights and develop supporting materials for stakeholder communications. 1
• Stay updated on emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices and technologies. 1
• Support the preparation and verification of data used in model assessments through data collection and preliminary analysis. 1
• Engage in capacity-building activities, including training staff on data analytics. 1
• Assist in administrative aspects of the work plan and support team members in routine reporting tasks. 1
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. They should demonstrate proficiency in research, data analysis, and the ability to make recommendations based on data insights. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and teamwork are essential competencies for this role.

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

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, knowledge management, or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation is required. Experience within the United Nations, NGOs, or similar international organizations is essential. Candidates should have a background in research, data analysis, and preparing recommendations for senior management decision-making. Experience in monitoring and evaluation strategies and reporting results at various levels is desirable, as is prior participation in independent evaluations related to UNDAF/UNSDCF or interagency work.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Spanish is required for this position, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Cuba only, and candidates must be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Cuban nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the understanding that they will bear any costs related to travel and relocation to Cuba. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.