Associate Data Scientist, P2

  • Organisation: United Nations Secretariat
  • Location: Vienna
  • Contract: R
  • Deadline: 20 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Secretary (OS), Secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board (SINCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna. The incumbent will report to the manager of the GRIDS Programme. The Secretariat of the INCB is an administrative entity of UNODC reporting directly to the Board on substantive matters. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Assist in the exploration, identification, and acquisition of data sources to determine their suitability for use in decision making and advancing the goals of the organization. Enable broader use of data sources by applying quality methods to structure, clean, format, parse, and standardize for analytical use. • Contribute to the design and develop data science products to reveal insights and provide an understanding or knowledge of the data that would otherwise not be detected without the application of advanced analytical methods such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, data and text mining, natural language processing, statistics, and use of relevant algorithms and computational approaches. Acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems; • Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality; • Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, using basic machine learning techniques, statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data, and to develop corporate visualization solutions; • Track and report on progress regarding department specific data initiatives; • Contribute to the design and develop customized visualization and presentation products to reveal the findings of analysis for the Board, clients, management, and international partners, suitable for all forms of production to include briefings, reports, documentation to oversight bodies, interactive interfaces, and publication quality outputs. Assist in promoting the use of data science solutions through client training (staff, internal and external partners) and the development of products, tools and processes to extend the capabilities of client offices; • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the data analysis life cycle from ingest and wrangling to analysis and visualization to present findings. 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. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, analytics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, information management, or a related discipline is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of work experience in data analytics, data science, business intelligence, statistical analysis, developing machine learning algorithms (AZURE ML, Python or similar) or related areas, OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Work experience in using data to support decision-making, strategic planning, performance monitoring, execution and reporting is desirable. Work experience with self-service analytics, data visualization dashboard development, and reporting applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau or similar) including the development of customized visualization and presentation products is desirable. Work experience acquiring, cleaning, transforming, validating, and managing data from multiple sources, and implementing databases, data collection systems, data pipelines, or related data management solutions using programming languages (SQL, Python, R or similar technologies) is desirable. Work experience in tracking, monitoring, and reporting on data initiatives, projects, organizational performance indicators, or related programmes is desirable. Work experience in developing and delivering technology analytics, or data science training to law and regulatory enforcement officers, including officials from developing countries is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercises and competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is funded from extra budgetary resources. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.  All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.  Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Vienna is classified in the H category (family duty station).

United Nations Considerations