Chief (Data Analysis Unit), P-5, DRP - New York Headquarters, USA #11351

The primary function of this post is to provide UNICEF leadership in the analysis of child-related data that can then lead to improved results for children. This includes technical support to UNICEF country offices and Country partners in their own data analysis work as well as global level analysis to inform advocacy, reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals and related activities.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, results

A key element to achieving results for children is to ensure that good quality data and evidence is generated, analyzed and communicated, particularly on the most vulnerable children. The Data & Analytics Section, in the Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP), at New York’s headquarters, is the leading unit in the organization with the specific objective of supporting this important task.

The section consists of three teams: the “Data Collection Unit”, the “Data Analysis Unit”, and the “Data Architecture and Communications Unit”. The Chief of the Data Analysis Unit, under the supervision of the Chief of the Data & Analytics Section, supervises and leads the staff of the Unit. This position is key to the success of the data function of the entire organization.

As the Chief of the Data Analysis Unit you will represent the unit in internal and external fora. This will involve working very closely, as one, with the other chiefs and staff members of the Data & Analytics Section. Work with staff members of the broader Division of Data, Research and Policy, UNICEF’s Regional Offices and country offices will constitute an important element of the work that you will be carrying out, with your team. Equally importantly, you will work very closely with other UN agencies, in particular with the United Nations Statistical Division and other UN agencies active in data work that concern children, as well as with a broad range of external partners focused on analyzing and using child-related data.

Watch a video on The Power of Data - Every Child Counts.

For more information on UNICEF Data, visit: https://data.unicef.org/

How can you make a difference?

The primary function of this post is to provide UNICEF leadership in the analysis and reporting of child-related data that can then lead to improved results for children. This entails innovating new methods for measurement, technical support to UNICEF country offices and country partners in their own data analysis work, global level compilation and analysis of data to inform advocacy, reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals, production of data-driven flagship publications, and data capacity development. You will lead other senior professionals with data analysis expertise in specific programme areas of the UNICEF Strategic Plan, including including on health, education, child protection, water and sanitation and other cross-cutting areas such as gender, poverty, social protection and adolescents.  

This will broadly involve:

1. Strategic direction to and oversight of the Data Analysis Unit
2. Technical leadership, advice and quality assurance
3. External strategic support to the Data & Analytics Section/DRP
4. Lead the team and coordinate activities of the Data Analysis Unit

To qualify as a champion for every child you will need to have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in statistics, demography, or in a related field that includes strong quantitative training and experience.*
  *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience at the national and international levels in data analysis, data collection, measurement, methodological development and other areas of applied statistics, data interpretation and use in sectors of concern to UNICEF.
• At least 6 years of experience in technical cooperation working with lower and middle income countries in these areas.
• Experience in leading teams.
• Experience in writing technical reports and/or peer reviewed journal articles.
• Familiarity with the uses and limitations of data collection methods, including large-scale household surveys, administrative data systems and programme monitoring systems.
• Work experience at country level and/or familiarity with emergency contexts is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.