Data Specialist
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat, through its Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), supports countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs. This role is within the UN RCO in Damascus, Syria, operating under the UN 2.0 framework, which emphasizes data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The Data Specialist collaborates with internal and external counterparts to optimize data systems and analytics.
Job Purpose
The Data Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and analytics strategies to enhance statistical efficiency and quality. This role involves identifying trends, developing reporting capabilities, and creating data visualizations to support decision-making and communication. The Specialist will contribute to monitoring and evaluation products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, support the co-design of digital tools with national partners, and build statistical capacity within the UNCT and national systems. The position aims to leverage data to accelerate the 2030 Agenda and embody the UN 2.0 shift towards data-driven approaches.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, and analytics strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Identify, analyze, and interpret trends using statistical methods. Develop analysis, reporting, and quality control capabilities, identifying new data analysis process improvement opportunities. Support the creation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) products for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks using approved tools. Collaborate on co-designing digital tools and dashboards with national statistical partners. Develop reports and dashboards to summarize findings for management. Document methodologies and establish data practices. Create data visualizations to aid decision-making. Lead the production of data products like reports and newsletters. Draft inputs for various documents and reports. Establish communication and cooperation for data needs. Support the integration of monitoring milestones into data pipelines. Build statistical capacity within the UNCT and national systems. Collaborate with data engineers and scientists to improve data flows and quality. Stay updated on data analytics best practices and technologies. Conduct outcome-level analysis and contribution studies. Identify gaps in national statistical systems and recommend coordinated UN responses. Support model evaluation and conduct data analytics training for staff and partners. Supervise and guide colleagues in data-centric roles. Oversee projects, ensuring effective resource use and alignment with objectives. Collaborate on the end-to-end MEL cycle. Support audit material preparation.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in translating business requirements into technical solutions is required. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling, visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, R), SQL, and programming languages (Python, R) are essential. Experience in data quality assurance, validation, and the data lifecycle (collection, wrangling, analysis, visualization, reporting) is required. Experience in coordinating data processes and collaborating with stakeholders is also required. Experience in strategic support for research, knowledge management, or project management in development cooperation is desirable.
Skills
Data Engineering, Data Science, Data Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Database Management (SQL), Programming (Python, R), Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI, Qlik), Data Storytelling, Quality Assurance, Data Validation, Project Management, Training Development, Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Professionalism, Teamwork, Client Orientation.