ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA’s five new strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues The African Centre for Statistics (ACS) is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Centre is responsible for improving the production, dissemination and use of quality data and comparable data and statistics in Africa to support evidence-based policymaking, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 The Africa We Want. It is divided into three main sections: Data Capability and Geospatial Knowledge Section (DCGKS) dealing with data systems and governance, data analytics and innovation and integrated geospatial knowledge infrastructures; Statistical Production, Methods and Research Section (SPMRS) dealing with statistical products, statistical methods and professional standards and statistical research and innovation; and Coordination, Partnerships, and Policy Outreach Section (CPOS) dealing with national and regional strategy harmonization, coordination and technical guidance and partnership, advocacy, and policy outreach. This position is located in the Data Capability and Geospatial Knowledge Section of the African Centre for Statistics in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent of the position works under the overall guidance of the Director, of the African Centre for Statistics, and reports to the Chief of the Data Capability and Geospatial Knowledge Section.
- Within delegated authority, the Senior Statistics Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Collects, evaluates, processes, and analyzes statistical data from a variety of sources. • Processes, classifies and ensures internal consistency of data; reconciles discrepancies in data series. • Builds special datasets for specific research needs or for reports. • Prepares charts, graphs and other outputs for reporting and presentation of various data. • Develops, tests, and implements software solutions for specific statistical applications based on defined technical and functional specifications. • Maintains and enhances relevant database systems. • Responds to internal/external requests on questions related to specific programme(s). • Assists in liaising with United Nations system organizations to obtain necessary statistical and other relevant information. • Prepares data sets upon request, responds to queries/requests and maintains/updates web based applications. • Supports the modernization of statistical production systems through the use of digital technologies, interoperable data platforms, and contemporary data management practices. • Supervises and guides other general service staff in the function, as needed. • Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A certificate or higher qualification in data science or technology is an added advantage.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in statistics, finance, accounting, information technology, data science/technology or related areas is required. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable Experience in database design and management is desirable.
Language
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. 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).
To get information on how to apply, please visit careers.un.org
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
More Information
- Experience Level Senior
- Total Years Experience 10-20
- Qualification BA/BSc

