Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

 Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations.

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation against whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP personnel, contractors, and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations of financial irregularities committed by parties external to UNDP that are detrimental to UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high-risk areas susceptible to wrongdoing, fraud, and corruption.

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI needs to engage a qualified, skilled, and experienced Data Science Analyst under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support the development of data-driven applications and the application of advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to enhance OAI’s investigative work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, AI, Data Science, and Financial Forensics, Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), the Data Science Analyst will undertake the following activities:

Development of Data & AI Solutions

  • Develop, test, and deploy data-driven applications that automate and enhance OAI’s intake process and support the writing of its investigation work plans.
  • Apply advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to extract insights from structured and unstructured data relevant to investigations.
  • Support the design and development of AI-powered tools that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigative workflows.
  • Research, evaluate, and implement algorithms and technologies to improve data quality, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analysis.

Collaboration and Operational Support

  • Collaborate with investigators, auditors, and other specialists within OAI to identify opportunities to apply data science solutions to complex investigative challenges.
  • Assist with other data management, visualization, and reporting tasks as required.
  • Draft reports and deliverables relevant to her/his work as instructed.

Documentation and Capacity Building

  • Develop and maintain clear documentation of data pipelines, models, processes, and results to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
  • Train OAI team members on the use of developed tools, dashboards, and data products, and build in-house capacity for data analytics.

Facilitate knowledge and knowledge sharing

  • Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Team Lead, AI, Data Science, and Financial Forensics, will task and supervise the IPSA Data Science Analyst. All work products will be submitted to the Team Lead, AI, Data Science, and Financial Forensics and Investigations Section, OAI.

Due to the evolving nature of investigations and the need for flexible data solutions, the IPSA Data Science Analyst may be assigned additional tasks as directed by the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ and RBLAC) and Investigations Support Team (IST), or the Deputy Director, Head of Investigations, OAI.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

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.

Digital – Data analysis

  • Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making

Digital – Data engineering

  • Ability in programming languages such  as  SQL, Python, and R, be adept at finding warehousing solutions,  and using ETL  (Extract, Transfer, Load) tools, and understanding basic machine learning and algorithms.

Digital - Machine learning

  • Skilled in computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience and by the use of data.

Digital – Programming, Web and App Development

  • Ability to build websites, platforms and apps that are effective and intuitive to use.

Digital – Prototyping

  • Ability to make ideas tangible, at low costs early in the innovation process, to test and improve them through iteration. 
  • Using a “build first" approach, using visualising ideas and making things as a way of thinking.
  • Ability to define what fidelity level is required for a test, define prototyping goals, or a hypotheses; evaluate results against these goals and reflect on unanticipated learning outcomes.
  • Using prototypes to communicate a vision, develop shared understanding and create momentum around an idea.

Communication – UX design

Ability to create digital products that provide an engaging and relevant experience to users

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a 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.

Experience:

  • Minimum of two (2) years (with master’s degree) or four (4) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in Data Analytics, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence is required.
  • Proven experience in developing data-driven applications, building predictive models, and implementing analytics solutions.
  • Proficiency with programming languages such as Python or R.
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
  • Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
  • Good understanding of data governance, security, and confidentiality principles relevant to investigations.
  • Experience with building AI tools for process automation.
  • Working knowledge of SQL and big data technologies.
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure or other cloud-based platforms.
  • Familiarity with investigative processes or work in an oversight/internal audit environment.
  • Experience working with an International Organization is desirable.

Language:

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required. 
  • Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Russian, or Arabic is desirable.

Professional Certificates:

  • Certifications in Data Science, AI, Azure, or related technologies are an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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