DATA AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

This position is located in the CEB Secretariat, reporting to the Senior Inter-Agency Human Resources Advisor. The focus of the position is twofold: The first focus is to identify, structure and underpin data-and analytics-driven solutions in all areas of Inter-Agency Human Resources matters ranging from demographics and cost-related topics to behavioral aspects. A strong conceptual and scientific foundation is expected to underpin such solutions, in order to ensure objectivity and credibility of the proposed solutions. The second focus is to generate and communicate Human Resources-related data-driven analyses and insights in support of decision-making processes, by looking at historical trends, current data and predictions.

Within delegated authority, the Data and Behavioral Scientist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with stakeholders across the CEB organizations to identify opportunities for leveraging data to drive business solutions.
• Develops and implements databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality including automation scripts and internal software.
• Applies causal inference and experimental methods such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and causal modeling of observational data to estimate the impact of system-wide policies and inform evidence-based decisions.
• Collects, mines, scrapes and analyzes data including those shared by organizations shared by organizations to drive optimization and improvement of inter-agency coordination in behavioral sciences, human resources, organizational management and compensation.
• Assesses and tests the effectiveness and accuracy of new datasets and data processing procedures.
• Develops custom predictive algorithms to apply to data sets.
• Coordinates with different functional teams in CEB organizations to implement models and monitor outcomes
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Professionalism: Knowledge of the data analysis life cycle from ingest and wrangling to analysis and visualization to present findings. Excellent knowledge of statistical and computational methods, such as clustering, classification, correlation, dimension reduction, forecasting, machine learning, detecting outliers, and regression. Takes pride in the work for the organization and understands the impact that can be brought into the organization by allowing data-driven and evidence-based decisions. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, information management, statistics, public administration, public information, economics, management or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management or related area is required. Experience in combining data analytics and behavioral science (such as organizational psychology or behavioral economics) is required. Experience with data science and statistics-related programming languages such as R and Python, with SQL and relational database design and management is required. Experience with data governance, data quality, or data privacy and security practices is desirable. Experience with JavaScript and web frameworks, version control tools such as Git, containerization tools such as Docker and with API development and data integration are desirable. Experience in people analytics, workforce planning, or compensation analysis is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

According to 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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.