ACS/Data Specialist

Report outlining the proposed data model, technical stack (tools, server requirements), and a work plan for developing the data repository and front-end architecture. A functional database hosting 7–12 regional and national datasets. Documented scripts for automated data ingestion and cleaning (ETL/ELT processes). Two fully operational, interactive Thematic Analytic Hubs equipped with advanced analytical features, including rich visualizations and customizable reports. One operational AI-driven prototype delivered, demonstrating the ability to generate data-driven policy briefs informed by the Hubs.

Addis Ababa or remote, depending on specific contractual arrangements

6 months

Background The project, titled “Advancing Data Integration, Innovation and Capacity in Africa,” is implemented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD). The project aims to strengthen the African statistical ecosystem, which remains fragmented and under-resourced, thereby constraining the timely production and dissemination of accessible, policy-relevant and high-quality data for decision-makers and the public. A core objective is to enhance ECA’s capacity to transform data into timely, actionable insights for policymaking. This will be achieved through the development of a robust analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) layer built on the UN Data Commons, enabling a scalable, AI-enabled and user-centred data integration platform tailored to the African data ecosystem. The project will adapt and contextualise a proven Data Commons model, aligning architecture, standards, and tools to improve interoperability, comparability, and reuse across national, subregional, regional, and global data ecosystems. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall guidance of the Director of the African Centre for Statistics (ACS). The Data Specialist consultant will provide hands-on technical support across the “pipeline-to-policy” data lifecycle. The consultant will be responsible for data engineering, analytics, and AI-enabled applications to support the delivery of project objectives. Design and implement core data engineering workflows, including the identification, prioritisation and integration of 7–12 high-impact regional and national datasets into the UN Data Commons schema. Collect, structure, clean and preprocess datasets from multiple sources to ensure completeness, consistency and accuracy, in line with the project’s data quality assurance framework and established data governance practices. Translate technical specifications into data models and database outputs; optimise database performance through query tuning; and develop and maintain relevant database objects, including stored procedures, indexes and logging mechanisms, as required. Co-design, develop and test two thematic Analytical Hubs delivered as interactive, web-based dashboards with advanced visualisation and data exploration functionalities, including customisable reporting features. Develop an AI-enabled prototype to support the production of data-driven policy briefs, including establishing and maintaining the required tools and workflows for data engineering and machine learning operations. Utilise the Analytical Hubs to support policy analysis aligned with regional priorities and contribute to the production of at least six data-driven policy briefs. Work closely with domain experts, a data visualisation engineer, and technical team members to translate user needs into sound technical solutions, including coordinating with communications and policy outreach colleagues to ensure usability and uptake. Produce clear technical documentation for the end-to-end system and contribute to the project’s capacity-development programme, ensuring that a trained cohort of specialists, particularly from National Statistical Offices (NSOs), can support platform operations and develop their own analytical products.

An Advanced University Degree (master's degree or above) in statistics, engineering, information systems, or a related field is required with 5 years of experience. A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Extensive experience working with the entire data lifecycle, encompassing frontend and backend web development, data engineering, data analysis, and data visualization is required Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL is essential for cleaning, pipeline automation, and database management is desirable Experience with frontend technologies (e.g., JavaScript, HTML/CSS, TypeScript) and dashboard/visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is desirable Proven experience managing large datasets, pipelines, and solving complex data engineering problems is desirable Experience or strong knowledge of open-source tech stacks is very helpful and aligns with the project's strategy to reduce vendor lock-in is desirable

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English or French is required. Knowledge of other languages is advantageous.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.