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 the 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 supports the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO) in managing, coordinating, quality-assuring, and analysing United Nations Country Team (UNCT) results data and related information-management processes. The role involves systematically collecting, validating, processing, updating, and maintaining information in the Information Management System (IMS), UN INFO, and other UNCT reporting and monitoring mechanisms; coordinating recurring data and reporting requirements with UNCT focal points and relevant counterparts; requesting and consolidating inputs; reviewing submissions for completeness and consistency; resolving data gaps and discrepancies; maintaining structured tracking systems; and ensuring that validated information is accurately and promptly reflected in relevant platforms. The position also supports the planning, coordination, and monitoring of applicable normative scorecards by interpreting methodologies, identifying required inputs, coordinating contributions, and tracking completion, while playing a key role in preparing the UN Annual Results Report through the coordination and consolidation of inputs, extraction and verification of data from IMS and UN INFO, quality assurance of results information, and development of analytical and narrative content. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Associate Data Specialist collaborates with data specialists, data owners, programme and results-management focal points, subject-matter experts, UN funds, programmes and specialized agencies, consultants, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to facilitate timely information exchange, improve data quality, and support coherent UNCT reporting and analysis. The position is located in the UN Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and reports to the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Data Specialist will be responsible for the following duties: • Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. • 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. • Implement process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems. • Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. • Track and report on progress regarding department specific data initiatives. • Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs. • Contribute to project tasks, assist with data collection and initial analysis, and report unresolved issues to senior staff. • Contribute to the production of data products like reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities. • Contribute to data collection and gathering business requirements across departments to identify pain points and support data-driven analysis. • Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications. • Keep abreast of the current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies, tools, etc. • Contribute to data collection and preliminary analysis to support the preparation and verification of data used in model assessments. • Contribute to activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel. • Contribute to the trainings and workshops on data analytics. • Contribute to data preparation and preliminary analysis, support team members in data verification and routine reporting tasks, help in administrative aspects of the work plan. • Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Project management skills, Strategic thinking, Analytical thinking, Resource management skills, Working collaboratively. Ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs. Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. 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. 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. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals and workplans that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources; anticipates risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines and maintains structured tracking systems to ensure that multiple parallel reporting, scorecard and information-management processes are completed accurately and on time

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 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 in research and data analysis, information management, results reporting, knowledge management, or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Demonstrated experience coordinating recurring data or reporting processes involving inputs from multiple stakeholders, including requesting information, tracking submissions, following up on outstanding items, reviewing inputs and maintaining organized records of completion status, is required. Demonstrated experience working with enterprise information-management, results-management or reporting platforms is desirable. Demonstrated experience contributing to organization-wide, country-level or programme-level annual results reporting, including coordination and consolidation of quantitative and qualitative inputs, is desirable. Demonstrated skills in project management, workflow management, and developing tracking mechanisms are desirable. Demonstrated experience interpreting reporting methodologies, indicator guidance, scorecard methodologies or similar technical frameworks and translating them into workplans, data requirements and coordinated requests for inputs is desirable. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI or Qlik, and analytical tools such as R, Python or comparable software, are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, fluency in English and Arabic 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 IIArabicUN 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 POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF SAUDI ARABIA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, nationals of SAUDI ARABIA residing elsewhere may be considered; in that case, the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to travel and relocation to SAUDI ARABIA in the event of an employment offer. 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. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. 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Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.