Temporary Appointment - Data Science Specialist, P-3, Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), New York Headquarters, #123629

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF's independent internal oversight system and critical to the functioning of the organization's sound control environment.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a chance

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF's independent internal oversight system and critical to the functioning of the organization's sound control environment. The Office is mandated to conduct internal audits (assurance and advisory services), and investigations into allegations of potential fraud, corruption and misconduct. OIAI reports to the Executive Director, with the purpose of independently advising management and the Executive Board on its findings and concerns. In the last two years, OIAI has made good progress in designing a data analytics programme, developing a strategy, and applying data visualization for audits and investigations.

How can you make a difference?

We are looking for a motivated and talented team player who will make an invaluable contribution to the OIAI’s data analytics journey. As a Data Analytics Specialist, you will provide a technically sound and rigorous analytics solutions based on the needs identified by OIAI.

To successfully perform this role, you are expected to have a hands-on experience in designing and managing multiple datasets, developing multiple dashboards, deploying machine learning models, creating automated reports and implementing process automation tools. You are detail-oriented while being able to keep your eyes on the big picture. You are a quick learner who can also intuitively connect the dots across UNICEF’s complex data landscape and multiple planning, monitoring and reporting systems and processes. You love working in a fast-paced environment and can perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Data Analytics Specialist, who reports to Advisor of Director of OIAI will be responsible for the following duties:

• Act as OIAI's Technical lead on the audit and investigations data analytics and data integration program
• Locate, analyze, evaluate and define new data analysis requirements and make recommendations for their prioritization, deployment and improvement.
• Identify appropriate data sources for the preparation of analytics and knowledge products to support the OIAI functions.
• Collaborate with ICT focal points and subject matter experts to improve data flows, data quality, and data-driven products such as analytical reports, exception scripts, etc.
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, using basic machine learning techniques, statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data
• Maintain existing dashboards/reports, develop, and update technical documentation as and when needed, and ensure quality control through adequate testing
• Identifies and pursue synergies with respect to data analytics work with other offices within UNICEF as well as other international organizations
• Communicate orally and make presentations to management on progress updates, and results from the data analytics
• Offer in-house training and knowledge sharing in the use of analytics solutions and dashboards developed by OIAI analytics team

Competencies

• Ability to design, develop and implement a range of data analytic tools for use by staff of all levels in OIAI that are intended to improve the efficiency and quality of OIAI’s processes and work products.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, manage, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to analyze, model and interpret data in support of decision-making, and convey information succinctly to management.
• Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings. Ability to conduct independent research, analysis, identifying and assessing issues, formulating options and providing recommendations based on data and information analysis and management trends.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities; delivers outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; and operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability, scalability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact and speak with business stakeholders is required

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics, Statistics, Information Management, and/or ay related field is required.

 **A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in applied analytics, business intelligence, information management, statistics, project management, stakeholder management or any related area is required.
• Experience in developing and implementing data analytic tools in complex organizations similar to UNICEF
• Experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau or similar), and SAP Business Objects is required.
• Experience with database or programming languages (SQL, Python/R) is required.
• Experience in integration of multiple data sources, databases, enterprise applications and Web services is required.
• Experience or understanding of developing and implementing machine learning models, and RPA tools such as Autoit, UiPath, etc is desirable.
• Experience of working in an audit or investigation environment and knowledge of UNICEF/UN Systems and is desirable.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

• Builds and maintains partnerships (Level 1)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (Level 1)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (Level 1)
• Innovates and embraces change (Level 1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (Level 1)
• Works collaboratively with others (Level 1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (Level 1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.