INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT/DATA VISUALIZATION (Temporary Job Opening)

This position is located centrally in the Communications and External Relations, Office of the Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The incumbent reports to Chief of Section, Information Systems Officer or a more senior Information Systems Assistant.

Within delegated authority, the Data Visualization Information Systems Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops data visualizations, advance interactive digital products and narrative experiences (scroll-telling) that communicate complex trade, economic and statistical information to diverse audiences.
• Develops, tests and implements web application systems, interactive data visualizations and digital products using UN established standards for IT technologies, programming languages and tools facilitating the communication of analytical, statistical and research-based content through engaging digital formats.
• Conducts web analytics and social media audience engagement analysis, prepares performance reports and provides evidence-based recommendations to improve content strategy, user experience and digital outreach on the web and intranet.
• Serves as team member in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of web application systems ,digital products and data visualization solutions; independently liaises with users and substantive experts to define, and specify requirements, translate analytical and statistical information into effective digital formats and support the presentation of research findings and flagship report content.
• Supports the implementation and enhancement of web application systems and digital products according to specifications; monitors web applications using appropriate frameworks, tools and produces performance monitoring reports and recommends improvements to functionality, enhanced user experience and content presentation for innovative web formats, intranet and interactive publications. Optimizes the user experience making the website and intranet easier to navigate and more intuitive.
• Prepares training materials and conducts data visualization presentations.
• Maintains functional specifications for web application systems, programs and procedures developed and/or modified.
• Participates in the development of web sites, tailored content sites and intranet pages and performs ongoing maintenance for optimal delivery. including version management; performs ongoing reviews with users and developers and responds to users requests.
• Collaborates in creating, maintaining and enhancing Drupal content management system (CMS) using authoring tools.
• Drafts communications, including work plan revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares contributions on data visualization and web related matters.
• Serves as focal point for data visualization coordination and technical monitoring of application systems, development of web projects, involving extensive liaison across divisions to initiate requests.
• Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions.
• Provides guidance to new/junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Professionalism: Knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant web programming language(s), web technologies and content management systems and ability to apply technical skills to develop web information systems and digital products. Knowledge of system development workflow and document flow processes, ability to conduct research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Ability to analyze user requirements and translate analytical, statistical and research based information into accessible and visually effective digital formats, including data visualization and interactive web products. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments, and to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to design, develop and enhance websites and digital products focusing on trade, development and macroeconomic issues with due consideration for user experience, accessibility and audience engagement. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.

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.

High school diploma or equivalent. A diploma or equivalent in computer science, IT, engineering or related area is an advantage. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

Seven years of experience in information systems analysis and programming, systems administration and maintenance, data visualization, software development, technical writing or related area is required. Experience in drupal building web sites using built-in and contributed modules including production development of website is desirable. Experience in modern web development (HTML5, CSS, Javascript) is required. Experience using tools such as Datawrapper is required. Experience using advance data visualization tools such as D3.js and highcharts is desirable. Experience in an international organization is desirable. Experience developing websites that focus on transforming trade and macroeconomics data into information that is visually appealing and easy to understand is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.

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