ASSOCIATE DATA SPECIALIST, NOB

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not available.

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.

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.

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. 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, GHANA nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to GHANA 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. 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. "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". 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.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. 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.