JOBS

UNDP is recruiting for a Home based Data Exchange Specialist

0 1 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 11 March 2025

UNDP is recruiting for a Home based Data Exchange Specialist

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is on a mission to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions around the world. UNDP is the United Nations’ global sustainable development organization working across 170 countries with 17,000 staff. Digital technology is one of the most fundamental drivers of changes this century. Digital not only provides new opportunities and challenges for development, but it is also fundamentally changing the context in which development is taking place. Since the launch of its first Digital Strategy in 2019, UNDP has been on an ambitious transformation journey to harness the potential of digital technology for development. .

The Chief Digital Office at UNDP is leading this effort with the goal of embedding digital technology in the development projects that UNDP implement, supporting government partners to build inclusive digital eco-systems, and transforming the organization internally to enable these changes.

Project description

In today’s interconnected world, data has the power to drive human-centred innovation and growth, to enable transparency and accountability in public governance and to support the digital empowerment of people. Many countries in the Global Majority are aware of the importance of data, are driven to strengthen their data ecosystems and are exploring innovative approaches. Yet, they are not yet able to fully leverage the potential of data and mitigate all associated risks.

Data Exchanges have emerged as one opportunity to enhance the availability of data across sectors. Often perceived as one of the core components of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), —alongside digital identity systems and digital payment platforms—data exchanges have the potential to accelerate the delivery of inclusive digital services. DPI, as a broader concept, is increasingly seen as a transformative approach to digital transformation, with the potential to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Data Exchange Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting into the Data Lead at the Chief Digital Office, with a matrix reporting line to the DPI Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for below:

Lead on the implementation and revision of UNDP’s safe & inclusive data exchange assessment and broader data governance assessment, including providing technical guidance to governments on data exchange/data governance and updating the assessment frameworks
Deliver capacity development activities for governments, such as online and in-person trainings, on data, data governance and data exchange, contributing to enhancing data skills and building a data culture across sectors
Provide technical expertise to governments on strengthening local data ecosystems, covering aspects such as national/sub-national data strategies, open data, and data governance for AI
Drive close and results-oriented coordination both internally and with external partners, collaborating closely with UNDP’s country offices to identify challenges in strengthening local data ecosystems and to ensure close alignment in supporting governments
Ensure increased knowledge exchange and thought leadership on good data governance, data privacy, and strategic data use through leading the dissemination of best practices and fostering an inclusive dialogue among stakeholders
Align with UNDP’s communication team to develop knowledge products on data and support advocacy on safe and inclusive data governance
Liaise with UNDP’s partnership team to support the design and establishment of partnerships on data
Liaise with key external stakeholders, including technical advisors and implementation partners, to establish and maintain partnerships crucial for the implementation of UNDP’s data offers
Provide technical expertise and administrative support to the Data Lead in managing the CDO’s Country Digital programmes delivery.
The Data Exchange Specialist performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Education requirements	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Public Administration, Law, Economics, or a related field is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas stated above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience	A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in data governance, data privacy or data ethics is required.
Required skills	Demonstrated experience in project management. Demonstrated experience in data analysis.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Experience in the technical implementation of a data exchange in the public sector. Demonstrated understanding of digital public infrastructure. Demonstrated experience in capturing and synthesizing information on an ongoing basis to produce analysis and recommendations. Experience working with the UN or other large scale development organizations.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French, another official UN language, or a local language, is advantageous.