Data Science Specialist, P-3, Office of Internal Audit and Investigations, NYHQ #117137

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF's independent internal oversight system and critical to the functioning of the organization's sound control environment. OIAI is seeking a Data Science Specialist to support its data analytics program by providing sustainable analytics solutions tailored to audit and investigative needs. The role includes ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity, granting access to authorized users, and maintaining data governance through reporting, documentation, and training.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a chance

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF's independent internal oversight system and critical to the functioning of the organization's sound control environment. The Office is mandated to conduct internal audits (assurance and advisory services), and investigations into allegations of potential fraud, corruption and misconduct. OIAI reports to the Executive Director, with the purpose of independently advising management and the Executive Board on its findings and concerns. In the last three years, OIAI has made good progress in designing a data analytics programme, developing a strategy, and applying data visualization for audits and investigations.

How can you make a difference?

We are looking for a motivated and talented team player who will make an invaluable contribution to the OIAI’s data analytics journey. As a Data Science Specialist, you will provide a technically sound and rigorous analytics solutions based on the needs identified by OIAI.

To successfully perform this role, you are expected to have a hands-on experience in designing and managing multiple datasets, developing multiple dashboards, deploying machine learning models and web applications, creating automated reports and implementing process automation tools. You are detail-oriented while being able to keep your eyes on the big picture. You are a quick learner who can also intuitively connect the dots across UNICEF’s complex data landscape and multiple planning, monitoring and reporting systems and processes. You love working in a fast-paced environment and can perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Data Science Specialist, who reports to Advisor of Director of OIAI will be responsible for the following duties:

• Act as OIAI's technical lead on the audit and investigations data analytics and integration program.
• Locate, analyze, evaluate and define new data analysis requirements and make recommendations for their prioritization, deployment and improvement.
• Identify appropriate data sources for the preparation of analytics and knowledge products to support OIAI functions.
• Coordinate and collaborate with OIAI’s Forensics Investigations Manager to deliver digital products and solutions to OIAI staff.
• Collaborate with ICT focal points and subject matter experts to develop and maintain data-driven products such as information dashboards, risk models and other scripts.
• Developing, validating, and implementing AI models and web applications for use by oversight functions
• Utilizing algorithms machine learning techniques, or statistical methods to identify, analyze, and interpret irregularities, trends or patterns, using structured and unstructured sources of information.
• Identify and pursue synergies with respect to data analytics work with other UNICEF offices as well as other international organizations.

• Ensure quality control through adequate testing before deployment.
• Check data for accuracy, completeness, and relevance.
• Clean and preprocess data to eliminate errors and inconsistencies.
• Develop and implement robust data control measures to maintain data integrity.
• Ensure that data management practices comply with data governance standards.

• Ensure only authorized users have access to the office analytics products that are consistent with role-based access controls, and monitor access logs.
• Establish and maintain secure authentication methods approved by organizational policies (e.g. multi-factor authentication) to verify user identities.
• Review and update authorization lists and parameters to adapt to changes in roles or job functions.

• Develop communication products for OIAI management on progress updates and results.
• Develop and implement standard documentation protocols for all data-related procedures, including data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Ensure that adequate quality documentation records with version controls and change trails are available for review and audit purposes.
• Provide in-house training and knowledge sharing on the use of analytics solutions and dashboards. 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics, Statistics, Information Management, and/or ay related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination of 7 years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in in data science, applied analytics, business intelligence, statistics, project management or related area is required.
• Experience in integration of multiple data sources, databases, enterprise applications (e.g.SAP) in complex organizations similar to UNICEF.
• Experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik,Tableau or similar) is required.
• Experience in managing cloud environment, including provisioning, configuration, performance monitoring, policy governance and security is required.
• Experience in the design and use of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning is required.
• Experience with developing web applications using programming languages (e.g. Python/R) is required.
• Experience of working in an audit or investigation environment is required.
• Knowledge of UNICEF/UN Systems, and certifications demonstrating an understanding of internal audits or investigations (e.g. CIA, CFE, CISA) is desirable.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

• Builds and maintains partnerships (Level 1)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (Level 1)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (Level 1)
• Innovates and embraces change (Level 1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (Level 1)
• Works collaboratively with others (Level 1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (Level 1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.