Senior Data Scientist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has a Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, the Netherlands which is focused on increasing the use and impact of data in the humanitarian sector. The vision is to create a future where all people involved in a humanitarian emergency have access to the data they need, when and how they need it, to make responsible and informed decisions. The Centre has four workstreams: data services (managing the Humanitarian Data Exchange platform), data responsibility, data literacy and predictive analytics.

An area of emerging interest in the humanitarian sector is predictive analytics: asking what will happen in a particular humanitarian context and using machine learning and the application of statistical modelling to arrive at an answer. The Centre initiated its work on predictive analytics through our 2018 and 2019 Data Fellows Programme, and has continued to invest in this area through research into the development of models related to different aspects of humanitarian response. In September 2019, the Centre created a new workstream for predictive analytics with a focus on three areas: model development, a peer review process for partner models, and community and capacity building.

The Centre is seeking to expand its team with a Senior Data Scientist who has the skills and experience to assess available models, develop new models and generate recommendations for their use in anticipatory action. We are looking for a candidate who is self-motivated and can thrive in an international, multidisciplinary team. The right candidate has the skills and abilities to develop analytical models designed to turn data into action, be proficient with the methods of humanitarian data research, and think strategically about how to use data to create value for humanitarian emergency and crisis response. Reporting Relationships The Senior Data Scientist will report to the Predictive Analytics Team Lead under the overall direction of the Lead for the Centre for Humanitarian Data. She or he will be expected to work closely with the rest of the Centre team.

Functional Responsibilities

- Research partner models to understand their design and potential application in humanitarian operations.

- Supporting the Central Emergency Response Fund in the development of Anticipatory Action Frameworks.

- Providing support to OCHA Country Offices for projections and scenarios in humanitarian response plans.

- Contribute to piloting and revising the Centre’s Peer Review Framework for Predictive Analytics in Humanitarian Response.

- Utilize available project management and office communication tools to effectively track and deliver expected outputs.

Deliverables: - At least one OCHA Country Offices supported with projections for their humanitarian response plans.

- At least one OCHA Anticipatory Action Framework supported with analysis of forecasts and triggers.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

***CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Education** (Level and area of required and/or preferred education) ● An advanced university degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, statistics, economics or a related field.

● Bachelor’s degree with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

● Five years of programming experience in Python, R and/or Javascript, and an understanding of statistical analysis are required.

● Five years of experience in statistical modelling, data analytics, data editing and processing.

Desired experiences (the following experience is optional, candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

● Experience in understanding partner needs and requirements.

● Skills in data visualization and Geographic Information System GIS.

● Knowledge or experience in the humanitarian or development sectors.

Language

● Fluency in English is required (both oral and written). 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: Individual Contractor Agreement - ICA retainermodality. A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.

Contract level: IICA-2/ICSC-10

Contract duration: Up to 240 days in 12 months with possibility of extension (Retainer Modality)

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

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.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System.

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.