Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Statistics Service of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and it operates in over 190 countries. UNCTAD aims to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve economic growth and development through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity-building efforts of UNCTAD by providing support to developing countries in the areas of data collection, analysis, and reporting, particularly concerning South-South cooperation. This position requires a strong foundation in statistical methods and data analysis, as the Data Scientist will be responsible for organizing and executing the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of statistical data related to trade and development. The role involves collaborating with member States’ experts and stakeholders to identify opportunities for leveraging data effectively. The Data Scientist will also develop and analyze statistical databases to facilitate comprehensive development analysis, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and effective in informing policy decisions. The position demands a proactive approach to developing standards for statistical concepts and methodologies, as well as the ability to utilize predictive modeling techniques to enhance organizational outcomes. The Data Scientist will also be expected to participate in seminars and expert meetings, sharing best practices and promoting knowledge exchange within the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Scientist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: organizing, designing, planning, and executing the collection and analysis of statistical data; collaborating with experts and stakeholders to identify data leverage opportunities; developing and analyzing statistical databases; assessing new data sources and gathering techniques; establishing standards for statistical concepts and definitions; utilizing predictive modeling to optimize outcomes; participating in seminars and expert meetings as a technical resource; developing quality assurance frameworks; coordinating with functional teams to implement models; and monitoring model performance and data accuracy. The Data Scientist will also perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Unit or the Director of the Statistics Service.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the data analysis life cycle, including collection, compilation, analysis, and visualization of data. A thorough understanding of statistical methods such as imputation, clustering, and regression is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to continuous learning and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into work are also required. Candidates should be able to manage conflicting priorities and demonstrate persistence in problem-solving.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, information management, statistics, economics, public information, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of official statistics and data science is required. Experience in developing composite development indicators and facilitating statistical capacity-building activities for developing economies is desirable. Familiarity with data science tools such as Matlab, SPSS, SAS, or programming languages like R, Python, or Javascript is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Additionally, knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, and may be renewed based on budgetary approval. 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. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully.