Internal Vacancy – Data and Analytics Specialist (Data and AI Management), P3, TA, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (#135763), 1 year

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to an impactful use of meaningful data !

The Planning, Monitoring, Data and Evidence Section at UNICEF Cote d’Ivoire provide critical support to office knowledge management, evidence-based programming, policy advocacy and partnership leveraging both in development and humanitarian contexts. In line with UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026 – 2029 that reconfirm “Generate and Harness evidence” as one of the key strategies to achieve results and impacts at scale, UNICEF Cote d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development has an ambitious data agenda to further position child rights in national development agendas. The incumbent is expected to support the office efforts in promoting strong partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate data collection, sharing and use, to determine the concrete actions needed to reach the SDG targets. Overall, the position will support the office’s strengthened commitment to respond to the need to have data (analytics) and other evidence to inform the planning cycle and improve UNICEF’s impact through advocacy, capacity improvement and delivery of services at country level.

Development effectiveness and humanitarian performance rely on effective and efficient planning, monitoring, reporting, and analysis systems. Accessing the right knowledge and measuring the right metrics at the right time is essential in assuring accountable use of resources, equitable delivery of results, timely decision making, and identification of lessons for future programming.

As a middle-income country, the Government of Cote d’Ivoire in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners has made considerable progress in regularly producing and disseminating socio-economic data, including with DHS, MICS surveys and Census. UNICEF Cote d’Ivoire has conducted key evaluations, studies and analyses in the past 5 years that have generated evidence on outcomes, impacts and lessons learnt of implemented programmes. Additionally, inSight provides UNICEF staff with up-to-date and easily accessible financial and programme results data sets that can be customized to the country specific needs to support day-to-day decision-making. This represents a wealth of data and evidence that can be leveraged for impactful policies, strategies and programmes that advance child rights.

Packaging and presenting data in a simple, visual, and attractive way is critical to the timely and right actions of policy and decision makers. This will be accomplished by integrating data from multiple data sources and presenting it in the form of scorecards, dashboards, analytics, and standard reports.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Planning, Monitoring, Data and Evidence (PMDE), and in collaboration with colleagues in various sections where relevant, the incumbent will undertake a variety of data mining, visualization, and integration activities using AI and machine learning, Microsoft Power BI software and other relevant technologies. He/she will also support the development and implementation of a knowledge management plan. The incumbent will maintain and expand efforts to streamline the processing and visualization/dissemination of data to serve UNICEF’s needs for more systematic, institutionalized and evidence-based performance management and policy advocacy. She/he is expected to provide support and guidance through engagement with sectoral teams, Government and Implementing partners for effective use of the knowledge and data management systems, tools, and products.

How can you make a difference? 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results:

1. Data packaging and visualization
2. AI and Machine Learning Integration
3. Capacity Building
4. Knowledge Management
5. Data packaging and visualization

• Work with sectoral teams and relevant national institutes on visualization requirements for results data for use by Government partners, the Country Management Team (CMT), and Programme Country Team (PCT)
• Identify data from all corporate and external sources and support data integration from various sources to create a unified and comprehensive dataset.
• Jointly with sectoral colleagues and national institutes staff, develop analytical models and results dashboards that combine and collate results data.
• Create visualizations that add programmatic value by highlighting current status, trends, convergence, trajectories, and gaps.
• As required, transform technical documents into advocacy and communication products across country office sections.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners in charge of data analysis to provide them with clean, well-organized data for analysis.

2. AI and Machine Learning Integration

• Design and implement AI-driven solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop, test, and deploy machine learning models.
• Monitor and retrain AI models to maintain performance and relevance
• Align data and AI initiatives with country programme priorities and strategic shifts
• Explore emerging technologies and trends to enhance data-driven decision-making
• Conduct AI risk assessments and ensure compliance with organizational governance standards.

3. Capacity Building

• Build and maintain close working partnerships with sectoral colleagues, government counterparts and national stakeholders, through active sharing of information and knowledge.
• Train staff on data tools, AI applications, and governance practices.
• Develop and update documentation, manuals, and training materials to share knowledge effectively.
• Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration within the office through training, workshops, and communication.
• Providing training and support to partners and sectoral teams on data and knowledge management best practices, tools, and systems.

4. Knowledge Management

• Engage with various partners and teams to understand their knowledge needs and align knowledge management strategies with the country programme results.
• Lead the development of a knowledge management (KM) plan in support to achieving the country programme results
• Coordinate and support the implementation of the KM plan: development of learning/knowledge products, including on innovative approaches, lessons learnt and good practices. Produce and disseminate periodic trend analysis reports, infographics, and thematic results bulletins in collaboration with sectoral teams.
• Categorize and structure knowledge to make it easily accessible, leveraging databases, technology tools and platforms such as SharePoint team sites, collaboration software, content management systems, etc.
• Develop knowledge products for programme advocacy to promote awareness and support leveraging of partnership and resources.
• Provide information to be used for resource mobilization and fundraising documents.
• Streamline methods of information and knowledge sharing across the office: document management, online collaboration, etc.
• Support the establishment of effective feedback mechanisms including with affected populations in humanitarian context.

Impacts and Results

Effective use of evidence and knowledge is essential for quality programming, monitoring, and reporting on UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire’s contributions to the National Development Plan, the UNDSCF, and the SDGs. This relies on fit-for-purpose tools and systems that support both regular and humanitarian programming, enabling evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

The incumbent will strengthen UNICEF’s capacity to learn, innovate, and make informed decisions by managing and sharing knowledge resources. They will enhance data visualization efforts to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights that support decision-making.

The incumbent will lead advancements in data analytics, integration, and visualization, leveraging generative AI and machine learning to improve how data is packaged and shared. He/She will develop models and interactive dashboards to identify trends, gaps, and priorities, making data more accessible and useful for stakeholders.

This role will also support strategic advocacy by coordinating publications from evaluations and research, and by producing policy briefs to inform decision-makers. Additionally, it will contribute to better programme design, evidence-based resource mobilization, and the integration of digital initiatives with partners – ultimately driving more impactful, data-informed programming.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• 1. Education

  Advanced university degree in data science, data analytics, economics, public policy, statistics, with strong AI and quantitative training and experience.

  2. Work Experience

  Required:

  • Minimum five years of work experience at the national or international levels in data analytics, data visualization or another related area, and Knowledge Management
  • Strong command of data visualization tools and software like Tableau, Power BI, Excel, or programming languages such as Python or R for custom visualizations.
  • Proficiency in Machine Learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and AI tools.
  • Proven experience in Database management systems (SQL, NoSQL).
  • Experience in facilitating the development of strategic dashboards and reports on results by analysing complex data and information
  • Demonstrated knowledge in identifying, examining, and processing raw data, trends, analysis, and assessments to aggregate disparate information, leverage both analytic and visualization tools, and design and deliver data visualizations products (reports, dashboards, snapshots).
  • Proven experience analyzing, compiling and presenting data, using combination of different data sources (e.g. household surveys and administrative data).
  • Familiarity with knowledge management systems and tools including content management systems and collaboration platforms.
  • Experience working collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Communications skills to facilitate knowledge sharing

  Assets

  • Proven experience in report writing to disseminate key data and findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Exposure to international development contexts and humanitarian data systems.
  • Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

  3.   Language Proficiency 

  Fluency in English and in French is required. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable women and persons with disabilities from LACR, ECAR, ESAR and EAPR are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to UNICEF personnel only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.