Statistician

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Office of the Director (OD), Statistics Division (SD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Statistician reports to the Senior Statistician in the Office of the Director. The Office of the Director assists in coordinating and conducting the Division's work programme with the Regional Commissions, other UN agencies, Member States, and national/international organizations, in particular as it relates to the development and implementation of a monitoring framework for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the post-2015 development agenda. Further information is available on the following website: http://unstats.un.org.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Statistician in the Office of the Director, Statistics Division, and with collaboration with Branch Chiefs, the Statistician will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists the Director in preparation and monitoring the Division's work programme related to the development and implementation of a monitoring framework for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the post-2015 development agenda and other parts of the Division's work programme as applicable.
• Plans and conducts analytical programmes of work in relevant areas of statistics. This may include: identifying projects, conducting analysis and participating in technical advisory activities for national capacity building.
• Undertakes methodological research with regard to standards on concepts, definitions and classifications to assist countries and other constituents in strengthening their statistical development.
• Formulates follow-up plans for the Division's approaches to create synergies and complementarities in terms of statistical data collection and capacity development with Regional Commissions and other parts of the UN development system. Promotes such approaches on national level; maintains close liaison and co-operation with various national and international entities.
• Supervises and contributes to the development of relevant databases, web publishing tools and other software for collection, storage and distribution of statistical data, in particular for the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the post-2015 goals and targets.
• Provides guidance and advice to other departments, field experts, etc., in the planning, operation and evaluation of statistical programmes and projects.
• Plans and co-ordinates seminars, workshops, expert meetings, etc.
• Prepares progress reports and other technical documentation regarding the work programme for presentation to relevant councils, commissions, technical meetings and expert groups.
• Prepares and review draft reports, letters and memoranda and carries our ad hoc functions requested by the Director of the Statistics Division, and carries out other related duties and special assignments.
• Contributes to the Division's partnership building and donor relations strategies in relating to statistics work.
• Performs other duties as and when required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to statistical development. Ability to conduct methodological work related to the development and implementing of a monitoring framework for sustainable development goals/ post-2015 goals and targets, including methodological work in specific subject areas. Ability to support the efforts in strengthening partnership with Regional Commissions, other UN agencies, Member States, and other national/international organizations, including by liaising and facilitating direct engagement to identify common concerns and priorities, develops recommendations to operationalize agreed approaches and commitments. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 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 & 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) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data or related area. Experience with the UN's mandate, programmes, and operational activities in relating to statistics work is required. Experience in the development of statistical concepts and methods and their implementation in countries is required. Experience with concepts and indicators for the measurement of sustainable development is desirable. Experience with the concepts of capacity development is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the official languages of the Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Job summary