Chief, Data, Digital & Innovation

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in New York seeks a strategic leader for the Chief, Data, Digital & Innovation Section to drive corporate data, digital solutions and innovation initiatives across the Resident Coordinator system. You will transform data into actionable insights to support evidence-based decision-making and strategy execution.

Lead a specialized team, advance data analytics and digital transformation, and ensure delivery of robust digital services while collaborating with internal and external

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressive experience in analytics, BI, information management, statistics, project management, or stakeholder management.
• Experience leading and coordinating teams, including hiring, training, and evaluation.
• Proficiency in data storytelling and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Qlik) and programming languages (Python, R).
• Experience with version control tools (Git) and relational databases (SQL).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance on databases, data collection systems, and analytics strategies to optimize accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead and supervise a team in identifying, analyzing, and interpreting trends from structured and unstructured data.
• Direct the full data lifecycle analysis from requirements to design and delivery.
• Translate organizational needs into strategic reporting documents and integrate analytics into decision making.
• Plan, direct, and manage the work program for data analysis with performance evaluations.
• Oversee development and implementation of data systems and analytics capabilities with quality controls.
• Collaborate with management to prioritize organizational and information needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data storytelling

Data visualization

Team management

Strategic direction

Communication

Leadership

Programming (Python)

Programming (R)

SQL

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Advanced degree in CS/Data Science/Analytics

First-level degree + significant experience accepted

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Qlik

Git

SQL

Python

R

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) in New York, part of the UN Secretariat, oversees the Resident Coordinator system to accelerate the 2030 Agenda. This role sits within the SDG Coordination, Policy, and Programme Division, reporting to the Director. The Chief, Data, Digital & Innovation Section leads the organization's efforts in data, digital solutions, and innovation, aligning with the UN 2.0 shift.

Job purpose: The Chief, Data, Digital & Innovation Section is responsible for leading DCO's corporate data, digital solutions, and innovation initiatives to enhance business solutions across the Resident Coordinator system, in alignment with the UN 2.0 agenda. This involves transforming data into actionable insights to support evidence-based decision-making, strategy development, and execution. The role drives digital innovation, acts as a change agent by implementing a UN 2.0 transformation strategy, and fosters a digital-first mindset. It ensures the effective delivery of corporate services for data, digital, and innovation, collaborating with internal and external partners to build a robust digital ecosystem and optimize investments in technology. The position leads a specialized team focused on advancing data analytics, innovation, and digital transformation to achieve organizational objectives and sustainable development outcomes.

Responsibilities: Provide strategic guidance on developing and implementing databases, data collection systems, and analytics strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Lead and supervise a team in identifying, analyzing, and interpreting trends from structured and unstructured data. Direct the full data lifecycle analysis, including requirements, activities, and design. Translate organizational needs into strategic reporting documents, ensuring alignment with broader goals and integrating analytics into decision-making. Plan, direct, and manage the work program for data analysis, including staff supervision and performance evaluation. Oversee the development and implementation of data systems and analytics capabilities, ensuring appropriate processes and quality control. Manage strategy development and execution for key projects, reviewing implemented models against technical and strategic criteria. Collaborate with management to prioritize organizational and information needs.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in computer science, data science, analytics, statistics, information management, public administration, management, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with significant qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in applied analytics, business intelligence, information management, statistics, project management, or stakeholder management is required. Experience in managing and coordinating team activities, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and deadline management, is essential. Proficiency in data storytelling and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, R) is required. Experience with version control tools (e.g., Git), relational databases (SQL), and programming languages (Python, R) is desirable.

Skills: Analytical skills, data modeling and interpretation, report writing, team management, strategic direction, communication, teamwork, judgment, decision-making, leadership, data storytelling, data visualization, database management, programming (Python, R), SQL, project management.

Required languages: English, French

Desired languages: