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Database Specialist

Amman

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Amman
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Statistics
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Closing Date: 2024-10-14

Background
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 
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.
 

1. Office/Unit/Project Description

Throughout 2020 and 2021, UNDP, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) and the Department of Statistics (DOS) have partnered to develop the Jordan Development Portal (JDP) with the mandate to centralize and streamline national data produced by Jordan on key development topics, national development plans and the SDGs.

The JDP is an SDGs Tracking Tool offering a multi-level SDG monitoring framework based on the global indicators, but also on national indicators and targets identified in national development plans. JDP currently offers data users a multi-source and bilingual database. Jordan Development Portal (JDP) is also a knowledge platform to promote timely and high-quality knowledge and advance data-driven analysis and debates, advocacy and policymaking in Jordan.

The JDP is as a bilingual data warehouse and knowledge platform offering data and knowledge on SDGs based on national and international sources. Leveraging on big data technology, the JDP data portal was established through UNDP Arab Development Portal Initiative and Jordan Country Office to support Jordan’s effort to monitor its progress towards achieving the SDGs, enhance the research experience of users enabling them to search for, visualize, extract, share and therefore analyze and create content based on official statistics.

In 2021, based on a request from DoS and MOPIC teams, a quality check on the JDP at the frontend and backend level was undertaken to check if it is ready to be launched and suggested a list of frontend and backend enhancements and additional features.

In 2022 the JDP was the main source of data for Jordan’s second VNR launched at the HLPF.

UNDP is seeking to engage the services of a highly qualified Database Specialist review and assess the JDP and support MOPIC and DOS to update SDG indicators.

2.Scope of Work

  1. Develop, manage, maintain, and update the JDP statistical data and metadata database, including the SDGs Tracking tool with the latest released indicator lists, tier codes, and disaggregation levels.
  2. Ensure the quality, accuracy, consistency, and comparability of gathered data, implementing rigorous validation and verification processes.
  3. Guide the Web Developer with the configuration support to design, develop, and configure business components, switch data sources, compile and install new applications, ensuring the functioning of front- and back-end offices of the JDP database.
  4. Advise on changes and investments to keep the JDP database well-functioning and competitive, providing recommendations for technical upgrades and identifying necessary investments.
  5. Advise on the latest data visualization facilities to be introduced to the portal, staying updated on current tools and techniques and recommending advanced visualization options to enhance the user interface.
  6. Contribute to the creation of infographics and data-driven visuals, collaborating with designers to develop visually compelling and accurate representations of data.
  7. Oversee the development phase of the revamped version of the JDP and the resilience marker, managing the project timeline, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring the revamped JDP meets all functional requirements and is ready for launch.
  8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

3- Institutional Arrangement

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative/Programme Manager. The staff member will work in close collaboration with relevant Jordan Country Office teams and coordinate closely with Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Department of Statistics.

4. Competencies
 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Core  
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
 
Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business Management Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
Information Management & Technology Data Management & Analytics

Knowledge in data management, data sciences,

ability to structure data, develop dashboard and

visualization. Design data warehouses, data lakes or

data platforms concepts. Familiarity with Machine

leaning, natural language processing or generation

and the use of artificial intelligence to support

predictive analytics. CDMP or TOGAF9 or equivalent

certification desirable.

Digital & Innovation Programming, Web and App Development Ability to build websites, platforms and apps that are effective and intuitive to use.
Business Direction and Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
 
 5. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA
Min. Education requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Statistics, Information Technology, or related field is required; Or

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Min. years of relevant work experience Minimum of Five (5) years (with master’s degree) or Seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in  database management systems. 
Required  skills
  • Proven expertise on working on SDGs inidicators and targets setting in different countries.
  • Solid experience in setting up digital systems to monitor SDGs data.

 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Relevant experience working in the Arab region and Jordan strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated strong technical knowledge in designing digital portals is an asset.
  • Previous experience with United Nations/INGO youth innovation and entrepreneurship program would be an advantage.
  • Experience working with government counterparts, international organizations, and relevant stakeholders in the entrepreneurship area is an advantage

 

Required Language(s)

Fluencyin both written and oral English and Arabicis required. 

Working knowledge of another UN language is desired. 

Professional Certificates Not required
 

6. The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

  1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
  2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
  3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as  reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
Disclaimer
 
 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

 Non-discrimination

 UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
 
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