ASSOCIATE DATA SPECIALIST, NOB

Org. Setting and Reporting

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 (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. Generally, the Associate Data Analyst 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 counterparts in the UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, consultants, and NGOs to collaborate and exchange information and best practices.[SJ1.1] Specifically, as this position is situated in the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Accra, Ghana, and reports to the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office under the overall leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the incumbent will interact closely with colleagues across resident and non-resident UN entities, government counterparts, development partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The incumbent will support the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), Results Groups and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Group through the consolidation, validation and quality assurance of agency inputs; tracking of Cooperation Framework indicators, milestones and results; follow-up on reporting commitments; and preparation of analytical products and evidence for Results Group, MEL Group and UNCT reviews and discussions. The role will contribute to strengthening the use of data, evidence and analytical insights to support Cooperation Framework monitoring, assess progress towards agreed results, identify emerging trends and gaps, and inform strategic discussions, reporting, learning and adaptive management. The incumbent will support the generation and presentation of data and evidence for decision-making by the United Nations Country Team and its inter-agency coordination mechanisms, helping to ensure that planning, implementation and reporting are informed by robust and timely analysis. The incumbent will also support UN INFO-related coordination, data management and data quality assurance processes in accordance with applicable guidance and reporting requirements, and will work with relevant stakeholders to promote coherent approaches to data collection, reporting and results monitoring across the UN system in Ghana. This position is located within the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Accra, Ghana and reports to the Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the incumbent will support on inter-agency UNCT groups, track the Cooperation Framework and perform the following duties: Duties and Responsibilities 1. Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. 2. Contribute to the identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data. 3. Implement process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems. 4. Contribute to the development of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks using approved indicators and tools. 5. Keep abreast of UN efforts in co-design (with national statistical partners) digital tools and dashboards that track progress against the national SDG indicator framework for interoperability between the national gateway and other official platforms. 6. Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. 7. Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communication of analysis outputs. 8. Contribute to project tasks, assist with data collection and initial analysis, and report unresolved issues to senior staff. 9. Contribute to the production of data products such as reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities. 10. Contribute to activities for integrating monitoring milestones, indicators and evidence streams into common data pipelines based on the Cooperation Framework and Funding Compact. 11. Assist in UNCT statistical capacity-building by contributing to the mapping and sequencing of agency-specific technical assistance in line with the Cooperation Framework. 12. Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications. 13. Keep abreast of current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies and tools, and assist with identifying findings and recommendations. 14. Assist in conducting outcome-level analysis and contribution/attribution studies using mixed methods to inform UN reporting and UN-commissioned evaluations. 15. Contribute to activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including training for staff members and other personnel. 16. Assist in the delivery of training on results-based management, evaluation techniques, and the use of monitoring, evaluation and learning for staff members and government partners. 17. Assist with activities for the monitoring, evaluation and learning cycle to support the MEL group and national counterparts, ensuring that planning, data collection, synthesis, validation and learning processes reinforce monitoring and support national statistical processes and standards. 18. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: 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. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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.

Education

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, economic or social sciences, or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s 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 Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities to translate business requirements into technical solutions 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. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of data life cycle including data collection, data wrangling, analysis, visualization, deployment, monitoring, and reporting is desirable. Demonstrated skills on Project management is desirable. Demonstrated experience in analyzing and translating complex data into actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations for decision-making, is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, 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).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference. Special Notice This is a Fixed Term position. Appointment against this position is available for a duration of one (1) year and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. THIS RECRUITMENT REMAINS SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY, CLASSIFICATION, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. The United Nations secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF GHANA ONLY. 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