Data Research Analyst

UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the GPSO - New York Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.

Global Pulse

Global Pulse is an innovation initiative in the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, harnessing today's new world of digital data and real-time analytics to gain a better understanding of changes in human well-being. Global Pulse hopes to contribute to a future in which access to better information makes it possible to keep international development on track, protect the world's most vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to global shocks. Global Pulse is being implemented as a network of Pulse Labs, bringing together expertise from UN agencies, governments, academia, and the private sector to research, develop, test and share tools and approaches for harnessing real-time data for more effective and efficient policy action.

To achieve its goals, Global Pulse is looking for a Big Data Research Specialist to be based in New York. The Big Data Research Analyst will work under the supervision of the Chief Scientist to manage, implement, coordinate and communicate applied big data for development innovative research projects in collaboration with various stakeholders from the UN system, the private sector and Academia.

●      Design and implement multi-stakeholder data innovation projects that use big data sources (mobile data, economic transactions, social media, on-line media, geospatial data, etc) for development and humanitarian purposes.

●      Provide guidance and advice to big data research projects implemented in collaboration with academic and research partners.

●      Assist and advise UN partners in implementing new approaches to detecting events and trends within big data sources.

●      Produce high quality written deliverables adapted to different audiences: (1) the scientific research community, (2) development and humanitarian practitioners community and (3) policy makers.

●      Assess and evaluate the statistical relevance of the results of big data projects, including the implementation of quality control procedures.

●      Implement any software required for accessing, handling, processing, analyzing and visualizing data appropriately;

●      Perform studies around new data sources or new uses for existing data sources as required by UN agencies and development experts.

●      Coordinate networks and relationships with academic partners and the research community for collaborative implementation of data innovation projects across the Pulse Lab Network

●      Attend topical meetings and conferences as directed.

●      Support the communications team in producing relevant communication materials adapted to policy makers and development practitioners.

●      Adaptable and able to work in dynamic and changing environments.

●      Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a dispersed team with members across various time zones. 

●      High organisational, planning and prioritising skills (dealing with many projects and many stakeholders). 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.

●      Communication skills. Good oral and written presentation skills. 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.

●      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

●      Professionalism, personal motivation and self-management. Demonstrable ability to work independently with minimal supervision, but also to function effectively as part of a team. Flexible, adaptable, and experience working in a start-up environment.  Ability to work directly with internal and external clients to define requirements for analysis and reporting. Passion for his/her work.

The applicant is required to have a Masters degree in data science, computer science, engineering, design, mathematics, quantitative social sciences, business administration, or related disciplines; or a Bachelor degree with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted. 

At least three years of relevant work experience in project management or scientific research particularly in the areas of innovation, data, mobile telephony, open source or technology for development.

●     Knowledge of the big data for development landscape and latest research.

●     Experience coding algorithms (Python, R or an equivalent programming environment), data analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source.

●     Experience working with a diverse array of institutions, including government, academia, and UN Agencies;

●     Demonstrated experience documenting processes and writing scientific research articles and/or policy notes.

●     Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects between data/science/technology and international development, humanitarian experts or any other relevant field from social, physical or biological sciences.

●     Demonstrated communication and relationship building skills.

●     Experience working in humanitarian or development projects in a developing country is an asset;

Fluent written and oral English required.  Knowledge of another UN language an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.