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

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

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.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Technical leadership

• Study, explore, and evaluate new and existing data sources to determine their effectiveness and accuracy for use in decision making, and assess their suitability for actionable output. Provide data-driven recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Design and builds predictive data science products, such as visualizations, models or artificial intelligence / machine learning algorithms for initial simulations or prototypes and subsequent ingestion into mainstream software applications.
• Develop processes and tools to monitor and analyze model performance and data accuracy.
• Promotes use of data science solutions by showcasing the products to business stakeholders; Plan the dissemination of data products to key stakeholders, raise awareness of available data products.

Drive execution of projects

• Engage in complex analyses and modeling to develop data products; uses internal and publicly available data and information.
• Develop products, tools and processes to periodically validate the effectiveness of data science products and their expected and observed benefits. Assesses impact using key performance indicators; Iteratively improve products based on findings.
• Lead mobilization of resources to respond to regional office and country office data needs in the context of climate change impacts on human mobility.

Drive collaboration on data analysis across organization

• Contribute to short- and long-term planning of the organization and assist in identifying threats and opportunities to the successful implementation of mandates.
• Liaise with ICT and relevant internal stakeholders to access infrastructure, software and services needed to develop and deploy data science products.
• Coordinate with different functional teams to implement models and monitor outcomes.

Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics, Public Administration, Public Information, Management or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, economic analysis, or related area is required.

The following experience is required:

• Data Analysis and Analytics: A minimum of four years of hands-on experience in data analysis, including statistical analysis, data cleaning, and exploratory data analysis. The candidate should have a strong analytical background and be proficient in tools like Python, R, or similar for data analysis.
• Climate change impact expertise: Experience in climate change impacts, including the ability to work with climate data and models. The candidate should understand climate science, climate impact assessments, and adaptation/resilience-building strategies.
• Text Analysis and Natural Language Processing (NLP): Experience with text analysis and NLP techniques, such as analyzing unstructured social data.
• Advanced climate change impact modeling: Experience with advanced climate change impact modeling and simulation tools and narratives, such as SSPs and RCPs, integrated assessment models, sector specific models.

Skills

• Design thinking skills: Proficiency in design thinking principles, with an ability to understand user needs, ideate creative solutions, and prototype user-centered climate change solutions. The candidate should have experience working on climate resilience projects using design thinking.
• Statistical and machine learning skills: Strong statistical and machine learning expertise, particularly as it pertains to climate data analysis and predictive modeling. This should include experience in regression analysis, time series analysis, and climate change impact modeling.
• Data visualization: Proficiency in data visualization tools and techniques, with the ability to create compelling visualizations to communicate climate change insights to stakeholders.
• Project management: Demonstrated project management skills to lead and execute climate change impact projects, meet deadlines, and ensure the quality of work.
• Climate change adaptation and resilience building strategies: Knowledge and experience assessing data and creating scenarios for climate change adaptation strategies in various contexts, such as urban planning or agriculture.
• Social science methods: Proficiency in assessing the implications of climate change on economic and social drivers of migration and displacement. Application of data analysis, statistical modeling, or machine learning techniques to explore complex interactions between economy, society and habitability

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) [please delete the language already mentioned as required] is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.