YPP Exam: Statistics & Data Science (for external applicants), P2 at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located primarily in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Regional Commissions. DESA is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. Its work is guided by the universal, integrated and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015. The Regional Commissions are the regional outposts of the United Nations in their respective regions. They are also an integral part of their regional institutional landscape. Incumbents typically reports to a Senior Officer, Head of Unit, or Chief of Section. The typical job in this area is Associate Statistician and may also be Associate Population Affairs Officer or Associate Data Scientist.

Responsibilities

The Young Professionals Programme examination in Statistics and Data Science covers a wide range of topics in the areas of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, probability theory, statistical computing, data management, machine learning, and demographic, social, economic and environmental statistics, accounts and indicators.

Some of the key responsibilities in these positions would be (These duties are generic and may not all be carried out in every position):

• Participates in the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of statistical data from Member States by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing appropriate methods for validating collected data and processing data for incorporation into statistical database(s);
• Participates in the development, implementation, and management of statistical database(s) and outputs in a particular area of statistics such as economic statistics and national accounts, trade statistics, environment, energy and industrial statistics, demographic and social statistics, etc.;
• Participates in collaborative projects for the development and testing of new methods and machine learning algorithms using Big Data and non-traditional data sources;
• Assists in developing and maintaining databases on demographic indicators, population and development indicators, population policy information and indicators or information on other population-related issues;
• Contributes to the design and develops data science products to reveal insights and provides an understanding or knowledge of the data that would otherwise not be detected without the application of advanced analytical methods such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, data and text mining, natural language processing, statistics, and use of relevant algorithms and computational approaches; Participates in the design and delivery of capacity development activities in statistics and data science, including technical assistance and training;
• Contributes to the development and application of standards for data and metadata exchange for use in different areas of statistics;
• Conducts methodological research, analyze, and present information gathered from various data sources on assigned topics;
• Contributes to the preparation of population estimates and projections and applies methodologies for demographic analysis. This task includes the application of techniques of demographic analysis to estimate demographic indicators and to evaluate population data for completeness and accuracy so as to adjust the data as needed. It also includes the application of techniques or methods of population projection, and the provision of input to the periodic revisions of assumptions underlying the population projections.
• Participates in the development and harmonization of appropriate methods and standards for measuring the performance in different areas of statistics, including development and revision of statistical concepts, definitions and classifications;
• Maintains close liaison and cooperation with relevant national and international institutions’ experts in statistics and data science;
• Organizes and participates in seminars, working groups, expert meetings and task teams as a technical resource person;
• Contributes to the preparation of draft technical documents for international, intergovernmental and expert group meetings and other relevant reports;
• Guides, trains, and supervises general service staff;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

1. Professionalism:
2. Shows pride in work and in achievements
3. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter
4. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
5. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns
6. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
7. Remains calm in stressful situations
8. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work

Technological Awareness:

1. Keeps abreast of available technology
2. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office
3. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks
4. Shows willingness to learn new technology

Planning & Organizing:

1. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
2. Identifies priority activities and assignments
3. Adjusts priorities as required
4. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
5. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
6. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
7. Uses time efficiently

Education

At least a first-level university degree (i.e., Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree of at least three years) in one of the following areas (to be selected from the “Main Course of Study” dropdown menu):

All Fields of Study within the following Main Courses of Study:

1. Mathematics and Statistics
2. Computing

Additional accepted Fields of Study:

Demography, Econometrics, Economics, International Economics, Sociology (found within the “Social and Behavioural Science” Main Course of Study)

Important: when preparing your application in Inspira, please choose the field of study that is closest to your degree, from the “Field of Study” and “Main Course of Study” dropdown menus; then type the exact title in original language as well as its translation in English or French in the additional comment boxes. Do not select “other” for main course of study or field of study.

Work Experience

No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as an additional screening criteria when more than 60 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.

Languages

Fluency (speaking, reading, writing, understanding fluently) in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.