Data Research Analyst, Global Pulse New York Lab
Deadline to apply: 23 March 2015
Duration: 3 months (initial contract, with possibility of extension)
Description of tasks:
The Big Data Research Analyst will work under the supervision of the Chief Scientist to manage, implement, coordinate and communicate applied big data for development innovative research projects in collaboration with various stakeholders from the UN system, the private sector and Academia.
Functional responsibilities include:
- Design and implement multi-stakeholder data innovation projects that use big data sources (mobile data, economic transactions, social media, on-line media, geospatial data, etc) for development and humanitarian purposes.
- Provide guidance and advice to big data research projects implemented in collaboration with academic and research partners.
- Assist and advise UN partners in implementing new approaches to detecting events and trends within big data sources.
- Produce high quality written deliverables adapted to different audiences: (1) the scientific research community, (2) development and humanitarian practitioners community and (3) policy makers.
- Assess and evaluate the statistical relevance of the results of big data projects, including the implementation of quality control procedures.
- Implement any software required for accessing, handling, processing, analyzing and visualizing data appropriately;
- Perform studies around new data sources or new uses for existing data sources as required by UN agencies and development experts.
- Coordinate networks and relationships with academic partners and the research community for collaborative implementation of data innovation projects across the Pulse Lab Network
- Attend topical meetings and conferences as directed.
- Support the communications team in producing relevant communication materials adapted to policy makers and development practitioners.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
The applicant is required to have a Masters degree in data science, computer science, engineering, design, mathematics, quantitative social sciences, business administration, or related disciplines; or a Bachelor degree with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted.
Experience:
- At least three years of relevant work experience in project management or scientific research particularly in the areas of innovation, data, mobile telephony, open source or technology for development.
- Knowledge of the big data for development landscape and latest research.
- Experience coding algorithms (Python, R or an equivalent programming environment), data analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source.
- Experience working with a diverse array of institutions, including government, academia, and UN Agencies;
- Demonstrated experience documenting processes and writing scientific research articles and/or policy notes.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects between data/science/technology and international development, humanitarian experts or any other relevant field from social, physical or biological sciences.
- Demonstrated communication and relationship building skills.
- Experience working in humanitarian or development projects in a developing country is an asset;
Language:
Fluent written and oral English required. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.
How to Apply:
More details and online application can be found here: https://gprs.unops.org/pages/
