Data Science and Digital Transformation Associate

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MINUSCA - Mission intégrée pour la stabilisation en République centrafricaine

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 24 Nov 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Field Technology Service (FTS) is responsible for innovative frameworks that encompass organizations, processes, technologies, data and facilities that address gaps and help facilitate the implementation of the mission’s mandate in accordance with UN policies and guidelines. The incumbent will report to the Chief FTS.

The assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

The duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

• Assist in the identification, roll-out and implementation of innovative solutions in support of MINUSCA mandates. Draft technical requirements of emergent and innovative proofs of concepts and projects. • Coordinate projects that may cover a range of concepts, strategies, frameworks, policies, procedures and technologies. Maintain records on project progress, approved plans and minutes ensuring timely reporting. Facilitate coordination and communication of activities with mission stake holders. Represent the Chief ITU as may be directed. • Coordinate with uniformed and civilian components of MINUSCA on data acquisition and management, including from multiple-source and types of data, through data flows, processing and visualization solutions. Liaise with service providers and external consultants on challenges, optimization, continual improvement and best practices. • Prepare presentations on new technologies and trainings as may be required. Provide in-depth analysis and assessments beneficial to the Mission. • Assess existing technologies for optimization, replacement or improvement. Undertake research and development of operational and business frameworks and relevant technology solutions. Understand, propose or help facilitate implementation of best practice frameworks. • Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Identify, collect, process and interpret data, analyze results using statistical techniques and provide effective visualizations. • Participate in tests, development of measures of performance, and in implementing new or upgraded software • Determine or build appropriate models to address business and analytical problems. • Assist ITU staff in accomplishing the unit work plan. • Ensure that calendars of activities are up to date. • Ensure upkeep and proper functioning of the office. • Perform other related duties as required by the direct supervisor.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

3 years of experience in ICT and related technologies: - Programming skills on Python (IDE and libraries), R, SQL, NoSQL, Tableau, Java or alternatives for data manipulation, analytics, and visualization. - Application of the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ETL, pipelines, APIs, IoT, Big Data and cloud.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Information Technology, Data Analysis, Computer Science, Data Science and Analytics, Data Engineering, or Telecommunication and Electronics Engineering with computer programming.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org