Chief (Data for Action), P-5, DRP - New York Headquarters, USA, #63091

As the Chief of Data for Action, you will drive UNICEF's support for the application of data through evidence-based policy and to inform decisions at a country level. S/he will lead efforts to strengthen UNICEF Country Office capacity in data collection and use, operationalizing the Strategic Framework on Data for Children and elevating the role of evidence across UNICEF. Building on the first year of operationalization of the Strategic Framework, in particular understanding country data needs and solutions and sharing good practices, in partnership with field offices, s/he will support: strengthening of countries' administrative data systems to ensure their accuracy and usability in policy-making, and efforts to assist countries in fragile situations including those facing humanitarian crises. In this latter instance the issues cover lack of data from traditional sources, lack of data demand, or different data requirements. This function will be carried out in collaboration with internal partners (particularly Programme Division, EMO PS and - where the data will also be used for programme monitoring - FRG), and in partnership with UN, national governments, foundations, academic institutions, and other organizations with expertise in this area.

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

The Data and Analytics Section (D&A) is located within the Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP) at UNICEF's New York headquarters. D&A is the hub of UNICEF's technical guidance, quality assurance and technical data architecture for programme work on data across the organization. D&A provides leadership, strategic and normative guidance and technical support to UNICEF's work on generating evidence on the situation of children by supporting the collection, analysis, understanding and use of robust data and statistics, administrative data and data literacy. 

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

How can you make a difference?  

As the Chief of Data for Action, you will drive UNICEF's support for the application of data through evidence-based policy advocacy and to inform decisions at a country level. You will lead efforts to strengthen UNICEF Country Office capacity in data collection and use, operationalizing the Strategic Framework on Data for Children and elevating the role of evidence across UNICEF. Building on the first year of operationalization of the Strategic Framework, in particular understanding country data needs and solutions and sharing good practices, in partnership with field offices, you will support: strengthening of countries' administrative data systems to ensure their accuracy and usability in policy-making, and efforts to assist countries in fragile situations including those facing humanitarian crises. This function will be carried out in collaboration with other professionals throughout D&A, other internal UNICEF partners, and external partners.

Duties include:

• Overall leadership and oversight of the unit's work focusing on coordinating country capacity building, administrative data, and humanitarian data
• Technical leadership, advice and quality assurance of administrative data and humanitarian data work
• Strategic partnerships and representation in data collaborations
• Managing the staff, budgets, and coordinating admin data work across UNICEF

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

• Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in one of the social sciences with statistics; advanced training, preferably a higher degree, in statistics, or an area with advanced statistics, data manipulation and analysis skills. 
• At least 10 years of professional experience at national and international levels in social/health/education statistics, sample surveys, data analysis and other areas of applied statistics, information systems and data interpretation and use in sectors of concern to UNICEF.
• Previous experience supervising a team.
• Expertise in the analysis of household survey data, data obtained from population censuses and/or from administrative and routine health systems records.
• A strong background, experience and understanding of qualitative and quantitative data and monitoring in humanitarian contexts.
• A strong coordination, negotiation, and synthesis skills, and ability to navigate challenges in completing tasks and deliverables in a timely manner.
• Well-developed computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Fluency in English. Fluency in another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) 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.

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty (5 years in New York Headquarters).

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