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United Nations Secretariat

Back DATA SPECIALIST

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What they do

A Data Specialist uses software to store and organize data, such as an organization's records or financial information. Facilitates user and client access to information stored in databases. Ensures accuracy and efficient maintenance of data.

$66,132 / year median in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)

-6% projected decline

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Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The Data Specialist interacts with counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant organizational units in data engineering, data science and other data specialists, data owners and subject matter experts to develop and implement the databases, data collection systems and data analytics that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. It also interacts with external counterparts in the UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, consultants, and NGOs to collaborate and exchange information and best practices. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Georgetown, Guyana, under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Data Specialist will perform the following duties: \u2022 Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. \u2022 Identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data. \u2022 Develop and implement various analysis, reporting and quality control capabilities; identify appropriate data sources for analytics projects; locate and define new data analysis process improvement opportunities. \u2022 Support the development of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, leveraging UN organizations\u2019 systems, UN approved indicators, Power BI and other approved tools. \u2022 Keep abreast of UN efforts in co-design (with the national statistical partners) digital tools and dashboards that track progress against the national SDG indicator framework, ensuring interoperability between the national gateway, and other official platforms (using SDMX standard where appropriate) \u2022 Develop reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. \u2022 Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow. \u2022 Create interactive and static data visualizations and employ advanced features of data visualization tools to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs. \u2022 Lead production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities. \u2022 Drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. \u2022 Establish communication and cooperation with other parts of the organization to request data and express data needs. \u2022 Provide support to integrate monitoring milestones, indicators and evidence streams into common data pipelines, ensuring alignment with the Cooperation Framework and Funding Compact \u2022 Support UNCT statistical capacity-building by mapping and sequencing agency\u2010specific technical assistance in line with Cooperation Framework, broker pooled funding opportunities for National Statistical System (NSS) priorities, and support convenings of data-partners between government, donors and civil society \u2022 Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc. \u2022 Keep abreast of the current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies and tools, and update management with findings and suggestions. \u2022 Conduct outcome-level analysis and contribution/attribution studies using mixed-methods to inform UN reporting and UN-commissioned evaluations \u2022 Identify gaps in the NSS using relevant statistical capacity monitoring tools and recommend coordinated UN responses, highlighting opportunities to leverage big-data pilots, citizen-generated data, or geospatial solutions \u2022 Support the assessment of model evaluation using appropriate validation metrics to ensure the model is comprehensive and supports the organizational objectives. \u2022 Conduct activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel. \u2022 Deliver training on results-based management, evaluation techniques and use of monitoring, evaluation and learning for staff members and government partners \u2022 Contribute to the provision of \u2018data clinics\u2019 on relevant topics, including gender-responsive statistics, new census methodologies, drawing on UN expertise and global curricula from the statistical community \u2022 Deliver trainings and workshops on data analytics tailored to different audiences as appropriate. \u2022 Support projects execution by conducting robust data analysis and collaborate with other team members to ensure that projects adhere to work plan objectives. \u2022 Supervise and guide other colleagues in the data-centric roles. \u2022 Execute and oversee specific projects and activities, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with planned objectives. \u2022 Collaborate on the end-to-end monitoring, evaluation and learning cycle by working with the MEL group and national counterparts\u2014so that planning, data collection, synthesis, validation and learning loops reinforce monitoring and support national statistical processes and standards \u2022 Utilize acquired resources to build analysis, reporting and quality control. \u2022 Support the development of materials for external and internal audits through data preparation, compliance tracking, and report generation. \u2022 Performs other related tasks as assigned. Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM
Strategic thinking. Analytical thinking. Resource management skills. Working collaboratively. Ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs. Programme/Project management skills. Ability to assess data accuracy and consistency by performing data validation. Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
COMMUNICATION
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS
Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationAn 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, economics or social sciences, or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor\u2019s degree or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree Job - Specific QualificationAn active certificate in relevant areas such as data engineering, data management, or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills and ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is required. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R is required. Demonstrated ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs is required. Demonstrated ability to assess data accuracy and consistency by performing data validation is desirable. Experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, knowledge management or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or related area is desirable. Demonstrated skills in developing and executing training programs and curricula across different levels and target audience using various methods is desirable. Knowledge of data life cycle including data collection, data wrangling, analysis, visualization, deployment, monitoring, and reporting is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, fluency in English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Benefits

  • Dental Insurance