Data Innovation Specialist (Forecasting)

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 140,639 USD and 184,155 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse (UNGP).

UNGP is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. UNGP works in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in the advancement of the UN Charter. UNGP serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. UNGP has a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The teams work with digital innovation, strategic foresight, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. Our vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves to empower people and protect the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and science to inform, inspire and support the entire UN and those it serves, to anticipate and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow. The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches that help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability.

The incumbent of this position will be embedded in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Center (UNOCC).

The United Nations Operations and Crisis Center reports to the Under Secretary-General for Policy, with additional reporting lines to the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) for services supporting the peace and security pillar. UNOCC is an integrated information and crisis hub providing cross-pillar analytics, situational awareness, and support to risk and crisis management. Its products are used to support UN senior-level decision-making. Global Pulse and UNOCC collaborate in various domains in support of this decision-making, including by enhancing leadership situational awareness.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS, under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

UNOPS is hiring for UNGP a Data Innovation Specialist (Forecasting) to work closely together with UNOCC to strengthen anticipatory decision-making and planning processes at various levels within the UN with a focus on data and quantitative approaches - by planning and coordinating Strategic Foresight activities and developing foresight capable data systems.

This may include: building horizon scanning capacity to monitor emerging issues to guide agenda formulation at the UN executives level; analyzing signals to identify risk tipping points against probable threat scenarios connecting peace and security, humanitarian, development and human rights. To ensure the foresight application is business oriented and impactful, the candidate will perform a baseline assessment of existing analytical processes and frameworks, business needs, data feasibility requirements, data systems, concepts and proposals, working in close collaboration with relevant data teams and other stakeholders.

The incumbent will work under the Innovation Scaling Lead of UNGP and coordinating with UNOCC for day-to-day tasking and execute the following duties:

1. Strategic Development, Research and Analysis
2. Knowledge creation, capacity building and reporting
3. Communication and partnerships

1. Strategic Development, Research and Analysis

• Assess the value chain of Strategic Foresight across UN senior decision-making fora and UNOCC’s services, identify priority business processes for it’s applications, and liaise with colleagues to ensure safe, ethical and inclusive practices;

• Design and execute quantitative analytical processes prioritized in the foresight value chain assessment. This encompasses non-conventional and real-time data sources such as online media, social networks, imagery, geospatial data, etc, and includes analyzing big data sources and using data science techniques in order to detect signals and trends;

• Identify and collect relevant primary and secondary data sources supporting foresight development compatible with UNOCC’s modern data architecture.

• Improve trend discovery and monitoring, horizon risk scanning, risk identification, scenario tracking and scenario planning, with a strong focus on quantitative data modelling;

2. Knowledge creation, capacity building and reporting - Support data visualization, communication, and data use by developing charts and graphs, infographics, dashboards, and other information design and visual content needed to translate various project data sources to cater to different consumption patterns and needs.

• Write and revise technical documentation; proactively record and share the lessons learned in a variety of forums;

3. Communication and partnerships - Network with industry specialists and build connections with the broader innovation ecosystem to support the development of interdisciplinary partnerships;

• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above, including on integrated analysis and situation monitoring;

Impact Results

Support UN leadership in accessing futures and foresight capacity to identify emerging risks and opportunities, develop mitigation strategies, and inform strategic planning contributing to the overall vision and mission of UNGP.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

******* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY******

Education: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in computer science, computational social sciences, social sciences, statistics, engineering, economics, monitoring & evaluation or another relevant discipline. - A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a higher university degree.

Experience: Required: - A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience preferably working in data science or a similar field.

The following experience is desirable. Candidates who do not have experience in these areas are welcome to apply:

• Experience in business intelligence, modelling for foresight and/or predictive analytics:
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research and/or designing mixed-methods approaches;
• Experience implementing systems with analytical techniques from machine learning, artificial intelligence, and their application for different business needs;
• Experience working in multidisciplinary projects between data/science/technology and foresight/development/humanitarian response;
• Experience systematizing analytical workflows on scalable cloud-based systems; Ability to automate data workflows and code
• Working in an international organization.

Language Requirements - Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. - Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Temporary Appointment Contract level: P3 Contract duration: Six (6) months

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• 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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.