ASSOCIATE DATA SPECIALIST

The 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. 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 SDG's. 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 Associate Data Specialist contributes to interacting 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 for the development and implementation of the databases, data collection systems and data analytics that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. It also contributes to the interaction with external counterparts in the UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, consultants, and other partners to collaborate and exchange information and best practices. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Tunis, Tunisia, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible of the following duties:

1. Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics, and other analysis, reporting and quality control capabilities; identifies appropriate data sources for analytics projects; identifies new data analysis process-improvement opportunities and strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
2. Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, applying statistical methods to structured and unstructured sources of information and data to surface relevant features and variables.
3. Implement process-improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquires and cleans data from primary and secondary sources; maintains and quality-assures databases and data systems, including UN INFO and CF results data.
4. Develop reports, dashboards, and other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management across the development, humanitarian and peace nexus, supporting RC/UNCT evidence-based decision-making.
5. Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow.
6. Draft inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.
7. Contribute to the development of processes and tools to monitor and analyze model performance and data accuracy.
8. Design internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, re-designing architecture for greater scalability
9. Implement solutions to data-related technical problems and data infrastructure updates.
10. Contribute to the preparation and organization of datasets to ensure data scientists and analysts have the necessary data for feature extraction. Perform routine data processing and quality checks to maintain data integrity.
11. Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc.
12. Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs.
13. Contribute to project tasks, assist with data collection and initial analysis, and report unresolved issues to senior staff.
14. Contribute to the production of data products like reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities.
15. Conduct data collection, cleaning, and preliminary analysis, contributing to the identification of patterns and trends.
16. Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications.
17. Keep abreast of current and emerging trends in data analytics best practices, technologies, and tools, and proposes their application to strengthen the RCO's analytical function.
18. Build staff and partner capacity on data analytics, including delivering trainings and workshops for UN personnel and national counterparts.
19. Support data preparation and preliminary analysis, verification, and pattern identification; contributes to routine reporting and administrative aspects of the work plan.
20. Contribute to the design and development of data science products, including through advanced analytical methods such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, data and text mining, natural language processing, statistics, and related algorithms and computational approaches, to generate insights not otherwise detectable through standard analysis.
21. Serve as a resource person and informal mentor on data analytics within the RCO, promoting a data-driven culture and knowledge-sharing across results groups.
22. Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Working collaboratively, Strategic thinking, Analytical thinking, Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyze data, make recommendations and write draft reports on sustainable development issues. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 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. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, statistics, monitoring and evaluation, research, data management, or a related field is required.
• Experience in collecting, cleaning, validating, analyzing, and interpreting data from multiple sources to support evidence-based decision-making is required.
• Experience using data analysis and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, R, Python, SQL, or similar platforms is required.
• Demonstrated experience in developing analytical products, dashboards, reports, or data visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences is required.
• Experience conducting data quality assurance and applying data validation methodologies is required.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying quantitative and statistical data modelling techniques, including forecasting, trend analysis, regression modelling, scenario analysis, and predictive analytics, to support strategic planning, SDG monitoring, programme performance assessment, and evidence-based policy and decision-making is required.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French and Arabic are required.