Senior Data Scientist (Data Foresight, Climate Change)

Position Title : Senior Data Scientist (Data Foresight, Climate Change)

Duty Station : Berlin, Germany

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 20 January 2024

Context:

In a complex and uncertain world, the useful application of data for evidence-based policy and action is needed now more than ever. Whether it be helping displaced people find durable solutions in the face of climate change, to analysis that allows better forecasting of migration trends and preparedness—managing human mobility to contribute to sustainable development requires a data-driven approach.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has an abundance of information about human mobility: With offices in almost every country, IOM is trusted by its Member States for deep domain knowledge and field expertise. IOM has strategic partnerships with other United Nations (UN) agencies and stakeholders in the UN Migration Network. It works directly with a wide range of beneficiaries and enjoys a place at the forefront of data protection efforts within the UN system.

IOM established the Global Data Institute to harness the power of its data for operations, making meaning of global migration patterns, and providing foresight. The Global Data Institute capitalizes on synergies between its two units–the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and the Global Migration Data Analysis Center (GMDAC)–and collaborates with a network of regional data specialists to illuminate the global data story of human mobility.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: The Data Scientist (Data Foresight & Climate Change) post is located in GDI’s organizational setting to benefit IOM from extensive analysis of data. The data scientist reports to a chief or the director of GDI. The focus of the data scientist post is to generate and communicate data-driven analyses and insights in support of decision-making processes.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Establish and maintain relationships with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies; Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants.

In the context of advancing climate change impacts that interact with migration and displacement, the Senior Data Scientist (Data for Foresight, Climate Change) integrates data science solutions to the planning and decision making of the organization. The data scientist creates packages that help communicate data-driven insight and value for programming and policy engagement that advance preparedness and resilience and self-reliance of frontline communities, migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The data scientist designs, develops, and validates the effectiveness of data science products for the organization; demonstrates timely delivery of outputs in accordance with overall objectives and policies. Plays a lead role in identifying significant issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues.