Associate Data Specialist

United Nations Resident Coordination Office

Job Opening ID: 282415
Job Network : Public Information and Conference Management
Job Family : Data Analytics and Management
Category and Level : National Professional Officers, NO-B
Recruitment Type : Position Specific Job Openings
Duty Station : LILONGWE
Department/Office : Resident Coordinator System
Date Posted : Aug 18, 2026
Deadline : Sep 1, 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator – the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG’s. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift-anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The Associate Data Specialist contributes to interacting with counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant organizational units in data engineering, data science and other data specialists, data owners and subject matter experts for the development and implementation of the databases, data collection systems and data analytics that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. It also contributes to the interaction with external counterparts in the UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, consultants, and other partners to collaborate and exchange information and best practices. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Lilongwe, Malawi, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
  1. Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
  2. Contribute to the identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data.
  3. Implement process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems.
  4. Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management.
  5. Track and report on progress regarding department specific data initiatives.
  6. Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs.
  7. Contribute to project tasks, assist with data collection and initial analysis, and report unresolved issues to senior staff.
  8. Contribute to the production of data products like reports or newsletters related to data analysis activities.
  9. Contribute to data collection and gathering business requirements across departments to identify pain points and support data-driven analysis.
  10. Compile and clarify data insights and develop supporting materials in preparation for stakeholder communications.
  11. Keep abreast of the current and emerging trends and developments in data analytics best practices, technologies, tools, etc.
  12. Contribute to data collection and preliminary analysis to support the preparation and verification of data used in model assessments.
  13. Contribute to activities aimed at building capacity of staff on data analytics, including trainings for staff members and other personnel.
  14. Contribute to the trainings and workshops on data analytics.
  15. Contribute to data preparation and preliminary analysis, support team members in data verification and routine reporting tasks, help in administrative aspects of the work plan.
  16. Serve as technology and innovation focal point for the RCO.
  17. Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
  • PROFESSIONALISM: Working collaboratively, Strategic thinking, Analytical thinking, Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyze data, make recommendations and write draft reports on sustainable development issues. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
  • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
  • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, information management, data management, information systems, information science or a related quantitative field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions is required. Demonstrated ability to perform quality assurance of data analysis outputs is required. Demonstrated ability to assess data accuracy and consistency by performing data validation is desirable. Demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

To apply for this job please visit careers.un.org.