The Senior Statistical Assistant reports directly to Senior Regional Advisor, performing specialised technical and procedural tasks related to the production and dissemination of cross-national data and indicators. The incumbent acts as a focal point for a particular area of statistical support, such as a group of countries, or a specific topic. He or she analyses national data and conducts research to ensure compliance with international standards and methodologies. He or she takes part in regional training workshops and provides support to the workshop leader. The incumbent is expected to coordinate activities and projects or delegate them to other statistical support staff, interns or volunteers.

CORE TAKS INCLUDE:

•    Maintenance and development of UIS indicators and technical documentation
•    Improvement of the quality of the UIS statistical databases
•    Processing and validation of data and indicators
•    Production of UIS statistical outputs and data analysis
•    Coordination of activities and projects

Long Description

MAIN TASKS & RESPONSILITIES

Within delegated authority, the Senior Statistical Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Compiles, processes and manipulates data sets derived from a variety of sources.
• Assembles and examines original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments.
• Updates statistical series in established formats.  Applies new data and derived statistics, enters data on survey reports, and provides information for publication.
• Prepares charts, graphs and other outputs for reporting and presentation of various data.
• Maintains relevant computerized databases.
• Responds to internal/external requests on questions related to specific programme(s).
• Assists in liaising with United Nations system organizations to obtain necessary statistical and other relevant information.
• Prepares data sets upon request, responds to queries/requests and maintains/updates web pages.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION 

•    Completion of secondary, technical or vocational education is required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in data science, statistics, finance, accounting or related area is required.
•    Experience in the use of statistical software for data validation and processing, such as R, Python or Stata, and management of large databases and multi-source datasets is required.
•    Good knowledge of MS Excel, MS Access and SAS is required.
•    Experience with analytics and data visualization applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau or similar).

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• An aptitude for numbers and the ability to present statistics in tabular and graphic form are required.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage and analyse large data sets with a statistical package
• Good organizational skills are essential for timely implementation of work plans. As well as, excellent team spirit and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• University degree or advanced university degree in data science, analytics, statistics or a related field is desirable.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Experience with official statistics is desirable.
•    Experience in data processing is desirable.
•    Experience in data scripting is desirable.
•    Experience in responding to inquiries and updating web pages is desirable.
•    Experience in computer programming (e.g. SQL, VBA, Java) is desirable.
•    Experience in supporting the implementation of projects or activities with multiple stakeholders is desirable.
•    Experience in working with the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.
•    Experience of working in education statistics.
•    Professional experience in a government or international organization.
•    Experience of working in a development context.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• Demonstrated writing abilities including contribution to or (co-) authorship of technical papers and analytical reports, preferably in the field of learning assessments or a related area.

LANGUAGES

• A very good working knowledge of English would be an asset.