Data Scientist

Background Information

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has a Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, the Netherlands which is focused on increasing the use and impact of data in the humanitarian sector. The vision is to create a future where all people involved in a humanitarian emergency have access to the data they need, when and how they need it, to make responsible and informed decisions. The Centre has four workstreams: data services (managing the Humanitarian Data Exchange platform), data responsibility, data literacy and predictive analytics.

An area of emerging interest in the humanitarian sector is data science and predictive analytics: asking what will happen in a particular humanitarian context and using machine learning and the application of statistical modelling to arrive at an answer. The Centre initiated its work on predictive analytics through our 2018 and 2019 Data Fellows Programme, and has continued to invest in this area through research into the development of models related to different aspects of humanitarian response. In September 2019, the Centre created a workstream for predictive analytics with a focus on three areas: model development, a peer review process for partner models, and community and capacity building. More recently, the Centre’s predictive analytics team has supported OCHA’s anticipatory action frameworks in a dozen countries, enabling humanitarian organizations to get ahead of shocks and mitigate their impact.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Centre is seeking to recruit a Data Scientist who has the skills and experience to assess available models, develop new models and generate recommendations for their use in anticipatory action. We are looking for a candidate who is familiar with the analytical methods used in the humanitarian sector, and can think strategically about how to use data to create value for crisis response. The right candidate has the skills and abilities to develop analytical models designed to turn data into action. They should also be self-motivated and able to thrive in an international, multidisciplinary team.

Functional Responsibilities

The Data Scientist will report to the Predictive Analytics Team Lead under the overall direction of the Lead for the Centre for Humanitarian Data. The incumbent will be expected to work closely with the rest of the Centre team.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

1. Researching partner models to understand their design and potential application in humanitarian operations.
2. Designing new tools and analyses to be used for humanitarian action.
3. Supporting the UN Central Emergency Response Fund in the development of anticipatory action frameworks.
4. Providing technical support to OCHA Country Offices for risk analysis and other technical tasks in support of the humanitarian response plans.
5. Contributing to development of the Centre’s work aimed at ensuring data analytics are used responsibly in the sector.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, statistics, economics or a related discipline is required, OR
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required:

• Five (5) years of programming experience in Python/R and their relevant libraries (e.g. Pandas, dplyr).
• Five (5) years of experience in statistical modelling, data analytics, data cleaning and processing.
• An understanding of developer tools such as Git.
• Exceptional communication skills, in order to explain your work to non technical colleagues who may understand the mechanics behind data analysis.
• Experience in understanding partner needs and requirements.

Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

• Skills in data visualization and Geographic Information System GIS.
• Knowledge or experience in the humanitarian or development sectors.
• Experience with climate data and climate modelling.

Language

• Fluency in English is required (Both oral and written).
• Knowledge of any of the other UN official languages is an advantage

Contract type, level and duration

*Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Retainer – A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.

Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2) / ICS10
Contract duration: Six (6) months with possibility of extension.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

This is not a position in UNOPS. UNOPS is solely providing operational support to its partner UNOCHA for this recruitment process. The selected candidate will be a personnel member of UNOCHA under its full responsibility and salaries and benefits will be decided by UNOCHA.*

Competencies

Strategic Perspective: Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Integrity and Inclusion: Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Leading Self and Others: Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Partnering: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Results Orientation: Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused: Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication: Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Information

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.