Statistician at United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.

UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty.

This position is located in the Data and Statistics Unit (DSU) of the Knowledge & Innovation Branch of UN-Habitat Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD).

The Division advances UN-Habitat's adequate housing and sustainable urbanization by generating cutting-edge research, data-driven insights, digital innovations and capacity development solutions, while advancing compelling messages, narratives and advocacy collaborating with relevant stakeholders to foster transformative and on-the-ground policy action.

The Data and Statistics Unit (DSU) is responsible for strengthening housing and urban data availability, accessibility and analysis including through global monitoring of housing and urban development including SDG 11 and the New Urban Agenda; generation of housing and urban indicators through the Global Urban Indicators Database; capacity development for Member States to produce data for SDGs and NUA monitoring and UN-system wide cooperation on statistical matters under the UN Statistical Commission and other relevant bodies.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Initiates and co-ordinates the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data.
• Develops and advances the application of digital technology for data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Ensure the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability of the collected data.
• Plans and conducts analytical programmes of work in relevant areas of statistics. This may include: identifying projects, conducting analysis and participating in technical advisory activities for national capacity building.
• Supervises and contributes to the development of relevant databases, web publishing tools and other software for collection, storage and distribution of statistical data.
• Undertakes methodological research with regard to standards on concepts, definitions and classifications to assist countries and other constituents in strengthening their statistical development.
• Develops new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projections.
• Provides guidance and advice to other departments, field experts, etc., in the planning, operation and evaluation of statistical programmes and projects.
• Plans and co-ordinates seminars, workshops, expert meetings, etc.
• Plans, organizes, manages and supervises the work of the section assigned.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Provides substantive and technical support to the work of the Global Urban Data Coalition, including engagement with partners, supervision of the development of knowledge products, preparation of technical inputs and working group meetings, and follow-up on agreed priorities and activities.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, demography or related field is required.

A first level university degree in combination with two (2) years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required.

Required Language

English: UN Level II for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.