Deadline: 21 December 2015
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Data Innovation Specialist in New York, United States. The duration for the post is of 6 months.
The Data Innovation Specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief Data Scientist to manage, implement, coordinate and communicate applied big data innovative projects in collaboration with partners from the UN system, the private sector and academia.
UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Key Jobs Responsibility
The Data Innovation Specialist will be responsible for the following functions-
- Define and plan product roadmaps for software toolkits with the engineering team.
- Ensure the efficient management of assigned data innovation projects and solutions, acting as focal point for partners and internal staff, and in general act as a translator between data science/technology and development/humanitarian subject experts.
- Produce concept notes, project reports, and other high quality documents on innovation projects and activities.
- Coordinate testing of solutions and processes by development and humanitarian partners to strengthen, adapt and improve the project’s efficiency and effectiveness.
- Conduct feasibility studies that can help the overall understanding of data sets and problem statements relevant to Global Pulse and UN partners.
- Extract insights from data analysis and support the data science team.
- Document tested innovation projects and processes and ensure effective sharing and generation of knowledge around innovation throughout the Pulse Lab Network.
- Provide support in developing partnerships and networks, including negotiations with data providers and other technical service providers.
- Support the communications team in producing relevant communication material including data visualizations and infographics.
- Proactively scout for new innovative ideas and opportunities.
- Participate in meetings and conferences as needed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree in data science, international development, business administration, economics, computer science, engineering, design or other relevant discipline. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in project or product management, particularly in the areas of innovation, data, research, software development or technology.
- Experience in humanitarian, development or other public sector work is required.
- Proven strong writing and communication skills including demonstrated experience documenting processes and writing research articles and/or project proposals.
- Proven ability to manage relationships with partners, including government, universities, UN organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
- Experience with user-centered design.
- Demonstrated ability to translate between data/science/technology and international development and humanitarian experts.
- Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a dispersed team with members across various time zone.
- Experience working in the field in humanitarian crisis is an asset.
- Experience in coding algorithms and data analysis methodologies is an asset.
- Experience creating data visualizations and interactive dashboards is an asset.
- Very good organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with the big data for development landscape.
- A proactive, critical and flexible thinker and problem solver.
- Capacity to multi-task and coordinate several projects.
- Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team on a common project.
- Willingness to travel and to work flexible hours and on weekends, when required.
- Fluency in English (written and oral) and a working knowledge of another UN language.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the online process.
For more information, please visit UNOPS.
