Data Analyst (Central & Southern Africa) – Global Risk Assessment Framework

Result of Service The Data Analyst position is remote-based. The incumbent will contribute to inter alia the development of the data platform underlying the roll-out of the Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF) in focus countries, including the development of user interface options. They will report to the Head, Global Risk Analysis and Reporting (GRAR) section, based in Geneva, who is leading the strategic development of the Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF).

The Data Analyst will work with a specific focus on collating disaster risk-related data relating to hazards, exposure and vulnerability (in its various dimensions), and the potential impacts stemming from, natural and human-made, biological, technological and environmental hazards and risks, to inform design options for a user interface presented as a Disaster Risk Profile in GRAF focus countries.

The GRAF Data Analyst will work principally with data sources, risk analytics models and other related risk information products being provided by UNDRR partners and other sources to develop a one-stop clearinghouse per GRAF country for use by national, UN and other users. Collation of data sources into a national Disaster Risk Profile will inform subsequent work by UNDRR and other partners to fill data gaps, interoperability, and data synthesis and layering options.

In addition to data discovery and collation skills, the work requires good technical writing skills and ability to create reports, diagrams, graphs, charts, infographics and other visualizations based on the research and discussions with the GRAF partners and the UNDRR GRAR section. The candidate will need the skills and abilities that together comprise various levels of data science expertise to develop models to present risk information and to think strategically about how to optimally use and correlate data to create value for risk reduction and resilience building.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 5 months (until 31 December 2022)

Duties and Responsibilities Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR has around 120 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences.

Specifically, UNDRR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the international strategy for disaster reduction, now the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2015-2030; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people’s lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women of all stakeholder groups in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

In the next 15 years, the strong commitment and involvement of political leadership in every country and partnerships at all levels are required to achieve the outcome set by Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries. As highlighted by the Sendai Framework as with other post-2015 agreements – such as the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement, a resilient future for all is only possible with an all of society engagement for comprehensive and coordinated action informed by a comprehensive understanding of risk. Aligned with this call, UNDRR is revising and renewing its approach to understanding and reporting on risk trends, including through the co-design and implementation of an inclusive, collaborative global risk assessment framework.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: ¿ A bachelor's degree in computer science, disaster risk analytics, geoinformatics, or a related field is desirable.

Experience: ¿ Some experience or familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or at least be able to identify the different data formats (shapefiles, raster files) is required; ¿ Some knowledge or previous work experience in a role related to the humanitarian sector, hazard-induced disasters, conflict or climate change is desirable; ¿ Previous experience working with disaster risk related data, risk models and/or risk information is desirable.

Language: ¿ Fluency in English is required ¿ Knowledge of Arabic, French or another UN official language is desirable

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.