Data Specialist

Support UN efforts through data management and reporting.

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UN RCO - United Nations Resident Coordinator Office

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Application deadline 2 months ago: Thursday 23 Apr 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support UN efforts through data management and reporting.

You have:

  • Experience working with data visualization tools (i.e. Microsoft Power BI or Tableau) a plus;
  • Experience working with GIS software (i.e. ArcGIS) a plus
  • Ability to analyze results information by triangulating quantitative and qualitative data and evidence;
  • Flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The UN Secretary-General’s bold new global reform launched on 1 January 2019 in response to General Assembly resolution 71/243, repositions the UN Development System to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet.

With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at its core, and in response to the General Assembly resolution 71/243 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for the development of the United Nations system, the UN Secretary General’s report (December 2017) “Repositioning the United Nation’s Development system to deliver on the 2030 agenda; our promise for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet” outs forward a comprehensive proposal on further improvements to the resident coordinator system to ensure more coherent, accountable and effective support for the 2030 Agenda. This was further reinforced by General Assembly resolution 72/729 of 1 June 2018, which gave the Secretary-General the mandate to implement the repositioning.

A reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system is at the centre of a repositioned United Nations system and while the system has been instrumental in driving coherence on the ground for the past four decades, it is no insufficiently robust to respond to the needs of the 2030 Agenda. The Resident Coordinator’s Office provides direct support to the UN Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), including advisory, technical, organizational and management support.

The UNRCO in Malawi provides inter-agency coordination support to the UN Country Team (UNCT) and its various sub-groups (Programme Management Team - PMT, Operations Management Team - OMT and UN Communications Group - UNCG). The support includes strategic planning, programme and operations management, policy guidance, data management and results reporting as well as knowledge management, advocacy and communications – all seeking to enhance UN coherence and improve overall

Under the overall supervision of the Head of RCO and direct supervision of the Development Coordination Officer (Data Management, Monitoring & Reporting), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. • Contribute to the identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data. • Implement process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems/websites. • Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. • Track and report on progress regarding department specific data initiatives. • Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications. • Keep abreast of the current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies, tools, etc. • Contribute to activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel. • Actively participate in meetings for the Data, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Group and Result Groups. • Act as learning focal point and disability inclusion focal point for the RCO. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication, Creativity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Respect for Diversity, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

  • Experience working with data visualization tools (i.e. Microsoft Power BI or Tableau) a plus;
  • Experience working with GIS software’s (i.e. ArcGIS) a plus
  • Ability to analyse results information by triangulating quantitative and qualitative data and evidence;

Malawi is a unique country and operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment 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. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you implemented a new data collection system and the outcomes achieved. The interviewer wants to understand your experience and proficiency in implementing data systems. Provide specific examples of systems you developed or improved, and their impact.
Can you explain how you would analyze trends in a dataset to support decision-making in a project? This question assesses your analytical skills and how you apply them practically. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to build the capacity of staff in data analytics? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep your knowledge current regarding data analytics best practices? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a challenging data management issue you faced and how you resolved it. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of your experience in team collaboration for data-related projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you believe technology plays in enhancing data analytics processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org