Data Analysis Specialist

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

CERF funding decisions are informed by rigorous data analysis. As a result, funding decisions are better informed by evidence and are taken in a more systematic way and earlier, thus providing support for humanitarian assistance and protection for affected people based on needs and risks, and as early as possible.

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

CERF is a global humanitarian fund with a long-time funding target of $1 billion annually. It is one of the fast-est and most effective ways to support rapid humanitarian response for people affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. CERF receives voluntary contributions year-round to provide immediate funding for life-saving humanitarian action anywhere in the world. CERF continuously strives to improve the quality of decisions on funding allocations, with two main objec-tives: First, to make allocations as early as possible, sometimes before a shock happens or before the peak humanitarian impact materializes. Second, to make allocation decisions based on systematic evidence and rigorous analysis. This requires data collection, monitoring and analysis to inform decision-making. A rigorous data analysis in particular underpins CERF’s work on anticipatory and early action, as well as the process for selecting countries for twice-yearly allocation rounds to underfunded emergencies. As there is a high probability of a La Niña event developing later this year, CERF is building on its proactive and forward-looking approach to the 2023-2024 El Niño, to replicate this approach for the upcoming La Niña event. At the same time, work on the second allocation round for underfunded emergencies is starting. For the analysis, in particular to compile the multidimensional composite CERF Index for Risk and Vulnerability (CIRV), dedicated data analysis expertise is required. To support its work to improve data analysis and to support the early action approach to La Niña as well as the second underfunded emergencies round, the CERF secretariat is seeking to recruit a Data Analysis Spe-cialist to contribute dedicated advanced data analysis expertise and knowledge. The CERF Programme Unit, where the position is located, has developed the following value statement: “The CERF secretariat is the steward of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for life-saving humanitarian ac-tion each year and we recognize the magnitude of this task. We take pride in our work and strive for profes-sionalism, speed and efficiency, always putting people affected by humanitarian emergencies first and sup-porting country teams. Within the programme unit and beyond, we value diversity and show empathy, re-spect and kindness. We assume positive intent (API) and care about others’ well-being. We value teamwork and collaboration, looking left and right to help each other and flexibly back each other up. We share infor-mation in full transparency, and we share our diverse knowledge and expertise. Each team member is re-sponsible for their own area of work, which they are empowered to lead and coordinate. Each team member is encouraged to voice their views and opinions and to provide inputs for decision-making, especially when this contradicts the majority view. It is ok to disagree, but we do so thoughtfully, listening to each other’s ar-guments and trying to find the best solution. We always look for ways to learn, innovate and improve the way we work. Everybody who wants comes together in a weekly huddle to talk about what goes well and what doesn’t and to talk about things other than work.” The Data Analysis specialist reports to the Anticipatory Action Lead in the CERF Programme Unit. Within delegated authority, the specialist will be responsible for the following duties: • Conduct a comprehensive data analysis to identify the regions and countries most likely to be impacted by humanitarian crises linked to the upcoming La Niña event. This analysis will combine data and information on past CERF allocations, meteorological information on ENSO phenomena, and data and in-formation on the humanitarian impact of past La Niña events. The analysis will directly inform the ERC’s decisions on CERF funding allocations, especially for forward looking, early action allocations. • Conduct a comprehensive data analysis of CERF’s proactive approach to the 2023-2024 El Niño event, to identify patterns, timelines, and to identify lessons learned, best practices and opportunities for earlier and better targeted allocations in future. • Inform the work on anticipatory action frameworks by providing data analysis, advising on CERF processes and criteria, drafting frameworks, potentially participating in missions to countries to set up or revise frameworks and in other ways required. • Conduct the data analysis underpinning the 2024 first allocation round for underfunded emergencies. This includes collecting data, monitoring data trends, calculating the CERF index for risk and vulnerability (CIRV – a composite index), analyzing and visualizing data and interpreting the results so that they can inform decision-making. • Conduct data analysis informing other potential CERF allocations, including multi-country allocations (similar to the multi-country allocations in response to the arrival of refugees and others fleeing the conflict in Sudan), special allocations (similar to the food security and famine prevention allocations of 2022 and 2023), early action (e.g., in response to the current El Niño episode) and regular rapid response allocations (e.g., estimating the number of people affected by a tropical cyclone before assessment data is available). • Contribute to the preparation of various written documents, e.g., drafts sections of reports, background papers, policy guidelines, presentations on anticipatory action, etc. • Maintain awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned. • Perform other duties as required. Work implies frequent collaboration with the following: • Personnel at all levels within OCHA in New York, Geneva, country and regional offices • Counterparts in other UN agencies, NGOs and research institutions Work potentially includes travel to countries with humanitarian contexts or for workshops, seminars, trainings, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Information Science or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.