Senior Statistician

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a mission to advance its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position at the global level. The African Centre for Statistics (ACS) within ECA focuses on improving the production, dissemination, and use of quality data and statistics in Africa to support evidence-based policymaking. The Centre is divided into four main sections: Economic, Infrastructure and Agriculture Statistics; Demographic and Social Statistics; Statistical Development, Data Innovation and Outreach; and Geospatial Information Management Systems. The position is located in the ACS and reports to the Director of the Centre.

Job Overview:
The Senior Statistician will lead the Economic, Infrastructure, and Agriculture Statistics section, overseeing the work program related to statistical analysis and methodological work. This role involves both technical and managerial supervision, ensuring the quality of collected data and supporting national statistical offices in applying innovative tools for data collection. The incumbent will design predictive economic and data science products, guide team members in analyzing trends using machine learning techniques, and undertake methodological research to assist countries in modernizing their statistical systems. The Senior Statistician will also prepare publications and technical documentation, manage staff performance, and represent the organization at international meetings, ensuring collaboration with national and international institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Statistician will be responsible for planning and directing the section's work program, ensuring data quality, supporting national statistical offices, designing predictive models, guiding team members in data analysis, conducting methodological research, preparing publications, and managing technical advisory activities. The role includes supervising the development of statistical methods, preparing progress reports, maintaining cooperation with relevant institutions, representing the organization at meetings, advising senior management, managing staff, and ensuring data accessibility for decision-making. The incumbent will also perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in statistical methodologies and the ability to provide technical advice for program development. They should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills. Leadership qualities are essential, including the ability to empower others and drive change.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, econometrics, economics, sociology, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, and a degree in Data Science or a related area is an added advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data or related areas is required. Candidates should have experience in national accounts compilation using various data sources, application of modern methodologies including artificial intelligence, and providing technical assistance and capacity-building activities through workshops and seminars. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until the regular filling of the post. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the UN Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be restricted to 'internal candidates.' The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.