Data Scientist

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-01-27-08:00

February 16, 2023Data Scientist Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern, thereby enabling actions that protect, include and empower. The Strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The Data Scientist will apply innovative methods (e.g. machine learning / AI, data mining, remote sensing, topic extraction, predictive analytics, etc.) and explore the use of innovative data sources (e.g. big data, geospatial data and imagery, etc.) to improve the production, analysis and dissemination of data in global forced displacement and statelessness situations. In these areas, the incumbent will oversee and implement research and analytics, recommend and facilitate enhancements to data systems and processes, provide training and capacity building, and represent the organization at the technical level in relevant fora. The Data Scientist will thereby play a crucial role in helping UNHCR harness the power and potential of these innovative techniques and data sources, achieve the vision of the Data Transformation Strategy, and further enhance its ability to save lives, protect rights and build a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. The Data Scientist reports to a senior staff member in the Division/Bureau or to the Senior Data Scientist in the Global Data Service. The incumbent will work closely with relevant colleagues in delivering the expected outcomes for the concerned entity. The incumbent will also liaise with external partners and stakeholders as/when required. S/he may directly supervise staff at the Professional and General Service category. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Apply data science techniques to global forced displacement and statelessness situations to improve both understanding of population behaviour, needs, and vulnerabilities as well as capacity to monitor and evaluate the impact of UNHCR policies and programmes. - Draft concept papers, prepare background analyses, and briefings to build support for the use of data analytics and data science techniques throughout UNHCR, in collaboration with relevant Services and Divisions. - Provide consultation and guidance to non-technical audiences and develop and implement guidance on integrating advanced data and analysis in routine decision-making processes. - Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture. Conduct trainings to improve technical and research skills of headquarters and field staff in the area of data science and/or advanced statistical analysis, in collaboration with the Global Learning and Development Centre. - Contribute to the research on the use of alternative data sources to produce data on global forced displacement and statelessness situations. - Facilitate open access to anonymized forced displacement data while addressing protection and privacy concerns over microdata managed by UNHCR. - Advance analytical techniques and data quality assurance approaches in UNHCR, bringing them in line with international statistical standards and analytical best practices. - Apply predictive analytics techniques to produce population statistics. - Visualise and report data findings creatively in a variety of formats. - Support the development and enhancement of UNHCR data systems interoperability and systematic adoption by providing advice on data science techniques. - Support the dialogue across UNHCR in collaboration with the appropriate colleagues for improvement of inter-operability and responsible access to corporate systems. - Contribute to the delivery of high-profile analytical products, in consultation with the relevant operational teams, including field operations. - Represent UNHCR in technical meetings and other events as required i.e.: workshops, conferences, etc. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Demography, Geography, Engineering, Quantitative Social Sciences or other relevant field with a focus on data science. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses UNHCR ODM Module 7 Registration Module 8 and Module 5 HCR Operational Data Management Learning Programme Information Management Evaluation Training (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Strong quantitative background in statistics, economics, mathematical or computer science modelling or similar; experience in data collection, management, cleaning, processing, and applied analysis using statistical software or computer/programming languages such as Python, Stata, SAS, R, SPSS, MATLAB, SQL etc. Demonstrated experience in ensuring the operational relevance of analytical and/or research work. Solid understanding of forced displacement-related issues. Drive, proven sense of initiative, results orientation, flexibility, leadership qualities, as well as effective teamwork skills. Experience working with Big Data and/or Statistical Learning methods. Experience writing technical reports. Demonstrated experience presenting work to both technical and non-technical audiences. Willingness to experiment in data innovation and big data and push the boundaries in applying technical skills for development and humanitarian action. Ability to work flexibly, creatively and to multitask as the need arises. A high degree of self-motivation, positive attitude and drive. Desirable Experience in process re-engineering (process redesign, process transformation, or change management). Experience with data sharing, data anonymization, statistical disclosure control, data management, and data analysis. Experience with data visualization tools such as D3.js, Power BI and Tableau. Experience with UNHCR¿s corporate applications and operational data. Demonstrated understanding of civil registration and other national population registration systems. Knowledge of UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and operations. Functional Skills DM-Data Collection and Analysis DM-Data collection methodologies DM-Data Interoperability DM-Data Management DM-Data science methodologies DM-Population census and econometrics DM-Qualitative data analysis DM-Quantitative data analysis IT-Computer Literacy PR-Coordination in Forced Displacement situations (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The post is based in Data, Information Management Analysis Unit (DIMA) in UNHCR MENA Bureau in Amman. Under the direct supervision of Senior IMO, the candidate will be responsible to administer, manage and maintain the POC data on UNHCR Corporate systems and other locally developed applications at the Regional level.

Work with stakeholders throughout the organization to identify opportunities for leveraging POC data to drive business solutions by performing big data analytics and developing mathematical, statistical and machine learning models.  Build, iterate and validate predictive models using multiple statistical techniques. Mine and analyze data from sources to drive optimization and improvement of product development, data quality and dessimination.  

Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques. Develop custom data models and algorithms to apply to data sets. Use predictive modeling to increase and optimize customer experiences, revenue generation, ad targeting and other business outcomes.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The Security Level for Amman and the rest of the country is assessed at Level 1 (MINIMAL), except the northeast Jordanian Syrian border area, where it is assessed at Level 3 (MODERATE). Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times due to adverse weather conditions, low visibility and/or heavy traffic.

Nature of Position:

The post is based in Data, Information Management Analysis Unit (DIMA) in UNHCR MENA Bureau in Amman. Under the direct supervision of Senior IMO, the candidate will be responsible to administer, manage and maintain the POC data on UNHCR Corporate systems and other locally developed applications at the Regional level.

Work with stakeholders throughout the organization to identify opportunities for leveraging POC data to drive business solutions by performing big data analytics and developing mathematical, statistical and machine learning models. 

 

Build, iterate and validate predictive models using multiple statistical techniques. Mine and analyze data from sources to drive optimization and improvement of product development, data quality and dessimination. 

 

Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques. Develop custom data models and algorithms to apply to data sets. Use predictive modeling to increase and optimize customer experiences, revenue generation, ad targeting and other business outcomes.

Living and Working Conditions:

Jordan has a total population of 9.4 million people. Amman houses 42% of Jordan’s population, 4.008 million, making it the populous city in the country. Amman is categorized as (A) duty station. Several International airlines operate daily flights from Amman (Queen Alia International Airport). The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar and the exchange rate is fixed and equivalent to ( 1 JOD=0.71 USD), Money traders and good local banking system are available.

Jordan is visa free for UNLP holders; however appointed staff must obtain a residency permit. Residency permits and other local protocol remain a challenge due to governmental procedures, subject to frequent changes. The process of obtaining residency in Jordan may vary depending on nationality of applicant, type of contract offered and its length.  

Staff members assigned to Amman are residing in private accommodation. Rent in Amman can vary depending on the size of the property itself, number of bedrooms and the area of Amman in which it is located. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment can range from 1100 – 2500 USD per month.

Food and other commodities are widely available in the local shops and markets.

Amman tends to have a Mediterranean climate; summers are mildly hot, winter usually starts around the end of November and continues until mid-March, there is occasional snowfall.

The medium for teaching in international schools is English, however there are a few French language schools as well. There is a plethora of institutions for children of all ages from pre-school to high school as well universities.

The majority of international educational institutions are in Amman.

Amman is the home to many top-end hospitals and clinics. Due to Jordanian healthcare’s international appeal, nearly all doctors and many support staff speak English. Healthcare here is also very accessible and affordable.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Certifications

HCR ODM Module 7 Registration - UNHCR, HCR Operational Data Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Information Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 - Part B

This position doesn't require a functional clearance