Chief, Data, Digital & Innovation

United Nations; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Development Coordination Office in New York seeks a Chief, Data, Digital and Innovation to lead data analytics, digital solutions and innovation within the Resident Coordinator system. The role supervises a specialized team and partners with Secretariat departments and UN agencies to drive UN2.0 transformation.

You will oversee strategy, data governance, analytics platforms, and the delivery of data-driven services, turning information into insights that inform policy and

Qualifications

• Experience leading data analytics and digital transformation initiatives.
• Ability to turn data into actionable evidence for decision-making.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead data analytics, innovation and digital solutions initiatives.
• Provide overall leadership for planning, management and delivery of data and digital initiatives.
• Foster collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Drive adoption of digital technologies to support evidence-based decision-making.

Job description

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Job Network : Public Information and Conference Management

Job Family : Data Analytics and Management

Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories , P-5

Recruitment Type : Position Specific Job Openings

In line with General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/279, United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the collective ownership of the members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the SDG Coordination, Policy, and Programme Division in DCO in New York. The incumbent reports to the Director, SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division. The Chief, Data, Digital and Innovation Section oversees DCO’s corporate data, digital solutions and innovation efforts, seeking to harness UN2.0 capabilities for more effective business solutions across all workstreams of the Resident Coordinator system. S/he directs and guides turning data into information, information into insight and insight into business decisions. Through ensuring the availability of a range of data-driven products, the Chief enables colleagues to identify ways to use data and digital assets to support evidence-based decision-making, strategy development, and strategy execution in line with RC system priorities and mandates. S/he leads the delivery of corporate services for data, digital and innovation, working closely with other sections, branches and regional offices to ensure that corporate needs are fully met. The incumbent drives digital innovation and acts as a change agent across the Resident Coordinator system by setting and implementing a comprehensive UN2.0 transformation strategy facilitating the RC System’s full embrace of the Quintet of Change. S/he collaborates with cross-functional partners across DCO and the RC system to design and implement efficient data and digital solutions while fostering a digital-first mindset from leadership down. S/he champions the adoption of digital technologies and best practices to build a strong digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing among colleagues and partners. S/he continuously measures the impact of digital initiatives, refining strategies as needed to optimize investments in the most effective tools and resources. The Chief, Data, Digital and Innovation Section establishes and maintains relationships with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant organizational units in digital innovation, data engineering, data science and other data specialists, data owners and subject matter experts to direct and guide the development and implementation of the Resident Coordinator system databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. S/he also establishes external relationships on data, digital and innovation, with relevant UN secretariat departments and UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, to collaborate and exchange information on new products and best practices. The position leads a specialized team responsible for advancing data analytics, innovation and digital transformation initiatives in support of the Organization’s strategic objectives and the implementation of the UN 2.0 agenda. The incumbent provides overall leadership for the planning, management and delivery of data, analytics, innovation and digital solutions; oversees the development and application of analytical frameworks, data systems, reporting and visualization capabilities; and ensures the effective integration of digital and innovation initiatives into organizational planning and decision-making processes. The role promotes the adoption of emerging technologies and innovative practices, fosters collaboration across organizational and external partners, strengthens institutional capacity through knowledge-sharing and learning initiatives, and oversees a portfolio of projects aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness, evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development outcomes. In addition, the incumbent manages the Section’s human, financial and operational resources and supports a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive team environment.