Data Analysis Assistant, Short-Term

Background

During 2024 – 2028, UNDP is implementing the Programme “Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools”, funded by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). The Programme’s general objective is to enhance quality and effectiveness of Moldova's education system through the transformation of district schools into Model Schools. To achieve this, the Program will target the following specific objectives:

• Objective 1: Transform five schools into Model Schools with a modern learning environment and facilities enabling better learning outcomes and improved efficiency of the school network.
• Objective 2: Facilitate the development of 21st century skills of students through improving teaching and learning practices and supporting organizational development.

Under this Programme, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research (MER), UNDP will support:

Under Component 1: Capital renovations in five model schools to ensure student friendly learning spaces and furniture, and accessible facilities for teachers/students with disabilities (ensuring accessibility of all learning, administrative, outdoor, WASH facilities).

Under Component 2: The evaluation and revision of the national curricula, enhancing the quality of curricular materials and educational content.

Strengthening the initial and continuous teachers training in the implementation of STEAM and interdisciplinary approaches, use of active teaching methods such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning and others, with special focus on science disciplines, integration of green and sustainability practices into the curricula.

Improving local level education governance and school management and autonomy to enhance the quality of education. The programme duration is 48 months, with a total budget of USD 18.9 million.

As part of the programme “Transforming Education in Moldova through Model Schools”, UNDP is supporting Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in the design and rollout of the Restart in Education Reform, aimed at improving quality of education through the deconcentration of education services. The incumbent Education Reform Activity Coordinator will lead, manage, and coordinate the implementation of this Reform, in support to the MER.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Data Analysis Assistant will provide support to the Expert Team at the Ministry of Education and Research with collecting, processing, and analysing administrative data, standardizing institutional data management arrangements, and establishing a scalable digital foundation for future automation and analytics. She/he will be responsible for:

Support to data collection, processing, integration and analysis

• Provide day-to-day support to the Expert Team in consolidating and organizing existing data sources.
• Assist in organizing data using common categories and formats to improve consistency in reporting.
• Assist in improving data accessibility and sharing.
• Support basic troubleshooting and updates of digital tools used by staff.
• Assist in delivering practical guidance to staff on the use of spreadsheets and digital tools.
• Support data cleaning, processing, analysis, and visualisation to inform the Expert Team.

Implementation of basic digital and data solutions

• Support the creation and maintenance of user-friendly digital tools for administrative tasks (e.g., standardized Excel spreadsheets, Google Forms).
• Assist in setting up and updating basic data tracking files to improve organization and reporting.
• Help implement simple data flows and ensure consistent data entry across units.
• Support the use of standardized templates for beneficiary and staff records.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements

The Data Analysis Assistant will work under the supervision of the UNDP Education Reform Activity Coordinator, in close cooperation with the UNDP Project Manager, and the UNDP Education Project Team, for an effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving project-related issues and information delivery. He/she will also collaborate with Ministry of Education and Research. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Business Management - Working with Evidence and Data:

• Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Business Management - Digital Awareness and Literacy:

• Ability to identify and navigate new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed.

Business Management - Communication:

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.

Digital - Data collection:

• Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).

Digital - User-centered design, user research, user testing:

• Knowledge of user-centered design methodologies and ability to apply them practically.

Information Management & Technology - IT Customer Support:

• Ability to support customers on IT related issues and generate and contribute to continuous improvement processes to deliver a great user experience.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 desirable. ITIL certification or similar is desirable.

2030 Agenda: People - Gender:

• Data and Research on Gender Equality.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum education requirements:

• Secondary education is required, or
• University Degree (bachelor's degree) in IT/Computer Sciences, Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, Social Sciences, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Minimum years of relevant work experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible data processing/data analysis support, software development, or technical support is required.

Required skills:

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages and web-based management systems.

Desired skills:

• Proven proficiency in spreadsheet tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel), including data organization, advanced formulas, data analysis, and reporting;
• Experience in providing operational and/or administrative support in the public or private sector;
• Experience in technical support for a governmental digital platform;
• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.

Required languages:

• Fluency in Romanian and English is required.
• Knowledge of one or more minority languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Romani, Gagauzian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and sign language, is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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