Data Scientist for UNDP Knowledge Hub at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
| Location : | Abuja, NIGERIA |
| Application Deadline : | 17-Sep-21 (Midnight New York, USA) |
| Time left : | 3d 19h 22m |
| Additional Category : | Management |
| Type of Contract : | Individual Contract |
| Post Level : | International Consultant |
| Languages Required : | English |
| Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) | 01-Oct-2021 |
| Duration of Initial Contract : | 30 Days |
| Expected Duration of Assignment : | 30 Days |
| Duties and Responsibilities |
| Scope of WorkUnder the direct supervision of the Knowledge Hub Coordinator, the Data Scientist will:Define, design and implement research projects harnessing Big Data to improve both understanding of population behavior, needs, and vulnerabilities as well as capacity to monitor and evaluate the impacts of public sector polices and programmes;Perform data discovery studies and software prototypes. Assist in developing new approaches to detecting events, and trends within real-time data sources such as mobile technology as well as online media, social networks, imagery, geospatial data, communications logs, transaction records, etc.;Write code and scripts to perform data cleaning, analysis and modeling;Document advances in big data and artificial intelligence including sectoral deep dives in fields such as human security and service provision;Support and coordinate data innovation projects with multiple partners including UN agencies, government entities, the private sector and academia;Design and implement statistical data quality procedures around new data sources in the context of their application to development and humanitarian issues; Implement any software required for accessing and handling data appropriately;Produce high quality written technical reports and visualize data findings creatively in a variety of formats;Draft and review project proposals, concept notes and scientific articles;Prepare presentations and communication materials as required;Support and advise the Knowledge Hub activities as required;Interact with the global community through a variety of media.Areas of research and exploration include:Estimating higher frequency and more granular population-related metrics such as vulnerability and migration through alternative data such as cellular phone useCharacterization and modelling of regional traffic patternsExtracting sentiment from social media such as Twitter. Expected Outcome/ DeliverablesThe Expert will be expected to deliver the following for each project:A research brief or presentation deck detailing the research question, statistical and enginering methodology, results, technical recommendations for practical use, and policy implications.Well-documented code in either the R or Python programming language that allows other technical staff to use.Supporting visualizations that enable intuitive communication with stakeholders. |
Competencies |
| CoreInnovationAbility to make new and useful ideas workLevel 4: Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefullyCommunicationSharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysisDeliveryAbility to get things done while exercising good judgementLevel 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutionsTechnical expertiseKnowledge of advanced data analytics, including methodologies related to big data and data science.Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertiseKnowledge ManagementAbility to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge.Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertiseGender sensitivityDemonstrates awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues;Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated abilityto advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertiseSecondaryReport WritingAbility to prepare quality reports.Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area ofexpertiseData Analysis/Measurement Ability to evaluate, transform and model data to derive relevant findings.Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise |
Required Skills and Experience |
| Qualifications and Experience Proven experience in conducting various methods of statistical analysis including machine learning, predictive modeling; Proven ability to translate findings statistical findings to policy recommendations Ability to lead the statistical analysis and to combine with broader analytical trends and observations. This work includes explaining and applying findings and recommendations following the assessment; Proven experience writing procedure documents and analysis reports for an international audience. Excellent command of English |