ICT Specialist - Solution Design Principal (Data Science)

Mid Senior Programme & Policy IT & Telecom Leadership

Overview

Support design and implementation of data science projects to improve outcomes

You have:

• Advanced university degree in data science, computer science, information management, statistics, mathematics, economics, management or a related field is required.
• A first level university degree in combination with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, statistics, information management or related area is required.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques from machine learning, predictive modeling, or modeling of complex systems is required.
• Experience coding algorithms (Python or an equivalent programming environment), data access, analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source is required.
• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Proficiency of Bahasa Indonesia is required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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.

Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background Information – Project

UN Global Pulse UN Global Pulse (UNGP) is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. We work in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in advancement of the UN Charter. UNGP serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. We have 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.

GDAI is an initiative that brings together UN agencies and private, public, and social sector partners for the development of data and AI products as digital public goods (DPGs). GDAI aspires to catalyze the formation of a cohesive and responsibly open ecosystem of data and AI products and services that reduces inefficiencies in the development of digital solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian action—with an initial focus on natural disaster response and recovery—to accelerate attainment of the sustainable development goals.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Strategy Lead, the Principal Data Scientist will participate in the implementation of UN Global Pulse’s Global Data Access Initiative (GDAI) which has an initial focus on the development of solutions for impact in the Asia Pacific region.

Functional Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of methodological and operational research projects harnessing artificial intelligence and data science to improve development outcomes and humanitarian response;
• Assist with the coordination of artificial intelligence and data science projects with multiple partners including UN agencies, government entities, the private sector and academia;
• Support the implementation of software required for accessing, cleaning, handling, analyzing, modeling and visualizing data;
• Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc.;
• Assist the technical team to perform critical evaluations of data, methodologies and models required to assess bias, validity and explainability of results in development and humanitarian response projects;
• Assist in analyzing the potential risk and harms associated with AI and data science projects;
• Document requirements, background information and methodology and establish documentation practices and standards for other staff to follow;
• Liaise with technical partners from UN agencies, private sector and academia when required;
• Assist the technical team to produce high quality written technical reports;
• Provide technical advice to related policy initiatives as required;
• Support the development of project proposals and concept notes;
• Prepare presentations and communication materials as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, information management, statistics, mathematics, economics, management or a related field is required. - A first level university degree (Bachelors degree or equivalent) in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, statistics, information management or related area is required.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques from machine learning, predictive modeling, or modeling of complex systems is required;
• Experience coding algorithms (Python or an equivalent programming environment), data access, analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source is required;
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, statistics, information management or related area is required.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques from machine learning, predictive modeling, or modeling of complex systems is required;
• Experience coding algorithms (Python, R or an equivalent programming environment), data access, analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source is required;

Experience Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply) 1. Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary projects between AI and development or humanitarian response is an asset; 2. Demonstrated ability to translate between data/science/technology and international development and humanitarian experts is an asset; 3. Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a dispersed team with members across various time zones is desirable;

Language Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is required; - Proficiency of Bahasa Indonesia is required; - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Award
• Contract level: LICA10
• Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

********Open only to Indonesia nationals or with valid residence.********

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org