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. 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 Dakar, Senegal, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow.
• Draft inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc and make contributions to the development of the annual Common Country Analysis or Horizon Scanning exercise, support the implementation and evaluation of the UNSDCF.
• Contribute to the development of processes and tools to monitor and analyze model performance and data accuracy.
• Design internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, re-designing architecture for greater scalability.
• Implement solutions to data-related technical problems and data infrastructure updates.
• 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.
• Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc and the implementation of UN 2.0.
• Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs.
• Coordinate the development of the UNCT’s Annual Results Report and the IMS surveys.
• 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.
• Conduct data collection, cleaning, and preliminary analysis, contributing to the identification of patterns and trends.
• Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications.
• 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.
• Build staff and partner capacity on data analytics, including delivering trainings and workshops for UN personnel and national counterparts.
• Support data preparation and preliminary analysis, verification, and pattern identification; contributes to routine reporting and administrative aspects of the work plan.
• 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.
• Serve as a resource person and informal mentor on data analytics within the RCO and inter-agency working groups, promoting a data-driven culture and knowledge-sharing across results groups.
• Serve as RCO focal person tasked with coordinating assigned interagency groups.
• 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.

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.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating ability 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. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, French is required. English is desirable. 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: French – UN Level II (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

Desirable Languages: English – UN Level I (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

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 or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year, and any extension will be subject to the availability of funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. Additionally, this recruitment process remains subject to budgetary, classification, and intergovernmental approvals.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF SENEGAL. 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, SENEGAL nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to SENEGAL in the event of an employment offer. 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. 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. 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. 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 « Contact Us » link.

Closing date: 3 Sep 2026.