Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator – the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG’s. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO), Kabul, Afghanistan and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent, will perform the following duties: 1. COORDINATES MONITORING AND REPORTING OF UNCT RESULTS UNDER THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK: • Supports inter-agency efforts on results and progress monitoring and reporting on the Joint Workplans of the UNSFA and Joint Programmes, particularly through the UNINFO platform. • Supports the UNCT to report on its contribution towards the SDGs, in line with HQ guidance. • Provides advice and quality assurance review of the UNSFA monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework/plan and results reporting to country, regional and global levels. • Supports independent evaluations of Cooperation Frameworks as a key element of the programme cycle and other interagency work related to monitoring, evaluation and reporting. • Serves as RCO focal point for country-level, regional and global MEL initiatives and networks. • Acts as the administrator for UNINFO, supports and coordinates the inputs from the UN Country Team into UNINFO and facilitates the development of the Annual UN Country Results Report. 2. PROVIDES SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNCT DATA AND RESEARCH STRATEGIES, ESPECIALLY AS THEY RELATE TO COLLECTIVE ANALYSIS AND PROGRAMMING: • Plans and facilitates the design, research methodologies and implementation of a data and research strategy, specifically in support of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UNSFA. • Plans and facilitates the design of an implementation plan for the SG Strategy on Data, or facilitates the development of UNCT data strategy where agreed by the UNCT . • Undertakes empirical analysis, data mining and visualization to assist the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UNCT, including results groups, in developing reports and working papers. • Collects information on and becomes familiar with the use of new types of data sources and tools (e.g. big data) for sustainable development. • Identifies new data analysis process improvement opportunities. • Contributes substantively to the development and implementation of peer review and quality assurance mechanisms for UNCT research products. 3. SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND DATA PARTNERSHIPS, INCLUDING WITH UN ENTITIES AT REGIONAL AND HQ LEVEL AS WELL AS LOCAL COUNTERPARTS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY, AMONG OTHERS: • Supports the work of the UNCT with national data and statistical systems, facilitating engagement with national entities and data systems. • Communicates and coordinates with existing partners and helps form new partnerships with academia, the private sector, and other agencies to further the use of data science for development. • Collects information on the latest developments of the use of new types of data sources and tools (e.g. big data) for sustainable development, including sourcing of private sector partnerships. • Communicates and coordinates with internal and external partners on data collection and project/research implementation. 4. CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT RELATED TO DATA MANAGEMENT, MONITORING AND REPORTING: • Actively participates in relevant communities of practice within and outside of the RC system (at regional and global levels), sharing good practices and lessons learnt on data, monitoring and reporting, contributing to the discussions, and promoting collaboration. Applies good practice/ lessons in his/her office where relevant. • Facilitates knowledge sharing, in particular, of good practices and lessons learnt around the SDG data, monitoring and reporting strategies, inspiring others within the RCO and UNCT. • Establishes and maintains knowledge partnerships with experts and institutions in the area of data management, monitoring and reporting. Brings useful expertise to the team, when required, to complement capacities of his/ her office. • Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches in the area of data management, monitoring and reporting, and proposes new ways of working, where relevant. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. • Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyze data, make recommendations and write draft reports on sustainable development issues. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, information management, statistics, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying 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 an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in providing strategic support to research and data (especially SDG data) initiatives, research and analysis, & monitoring, evaluation and learning in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Work experience with the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in community level or multi-stakeholder data/monitoring reporting is desirable. Work experience of one (1) year or more of data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, Fluency in English, Dari and Pashto (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Note: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of’ equals a rating of “confident in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone/teleconference or face-to-face.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this post is for an initial period of one year and any extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF AFGHANISTAN ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, AFGHANISTAN nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Afghanistan in the event of an employment offer. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. “Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. ” The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.