Chief (Computational Analytics and Geospatial Intelligence Unit), (P-5), Fixed Term, Data & Analytics, DAPM, Florence, Italy, #128966

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a chance

This position, reporting to the Chief Statistician, leads UNICEF’s Computational Analytics and Geospatial Intelligence Unit, advancing data-driven strategies through cutting-edge analytics, geospatial intelligence, and frontier technologies. The primary function of this role is to strengthen UNICEF’s data capabilities by integrating computational modeling, predictive analytics, machine learning, and geospatial insights. The incumbent is responsible for leading the development of advanced analytics tools, automating data workflows, and supporting innovative data collection platforms and administrative records, ensuring that UNICEF can make impactful, real-time decisions across health, nutrition, migration, child-mortality, education, protection, WASH, poverty, climate, and emergency response.

How can you make a difference? 

As the Chief of this unit, the incumbent plays a pivotal role in transforming UNICEF’s data strategy by leading advancements in machine learning, Bayesian modeling, spatial analytics, and responsible applications of large language models (LLMs). These capabilities enable UNICEF to anticipate trends, model risk scenarios, synthesize complex insights, and deliver predictive analytics critical to addressing vulnerabilities faced by children and families. The incumbent’s experience in leading geospatial intelligence and real-time data solutions equips UNICEF with tools to monitor disparities, assess regional vulnerabilities, and respond swiftly in emergencies with location-specific insights. Additionally, by promoting the ethical use of LLMs and other frontier technologies, the incumbent will help UNICEF derive insights from diverse and big data sources, including earth observation, mobility, and social media, thereby strengthening UNICEF’s ability to generate actionable, data-driven outcomes across all operational areas.

A central responsibility of this position is to drive the use of modern data architecture to support automation and develop data pipelines for real-time analysis, utilizing high-performance computing and cloud technologies. These capabilities ensure that data workflows are efficient, scalable, and responsive to UNICEF’s programmatic and operational needs. In this capacity, the incumbent champions the use of predictive and computational models to analyze diverse data sources, from administrative records to program data, enhancing understanding of regional disparities and emerging needs.

The Chief of the Computational Analytics and Geospatial Intelligence Unit also leads cross-functional collaboration within UNICEF to integrate analytics and geospatial insights across programs. Working closely with thematic units (e.g., health, nutrition, demography, education, protection, WASH, poverty, and climate), the incumbent embeds computational and spatial insights into program designs, enabling precise and targeted interventions. The role includes building capacity through training sessions on frontier technologies and advanced analytical tools, ensuring that UNICEF teams globally are equipped with the latest methodologies for impactful data-driven work.

This role is strategically mandated to foster a culture of reproducible and scalable analytics across UNICEF. The incumbent champions best practices in data science, guiding the implementation of rigorous, transparent analytical methods throughout the Data & Analytics (D&A) sections and across the organization. This includes promoting industry standards, advocating for data automation, and embedding robust methodologies that enable teams and partners to scale analytical processes effectively. By setting these standards and collaborating with external partners, the incumbent positions UNICEF as a leader in analytical excellence, driving capabilities for real-time, high-impact insights that support UNICEF’s mission to improve children’s lives.

In this role, the incumbent collaborates closely with all sections of the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning, and Monitoring (DAPM), the Programme Effectiveness Team (PET), and the Chief Data Office (CDO) to align computational and geospatial strategies with UNICEF’s overarching data initiatives. Collaboration with other divisions, especially the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD), the Emergency Response and Operations Division (EMOPS), the Innovation Team, and the Program Group, is essential to ensure a cohesive approach to data-driven solutions across UNICEF. By coordinating with these teams, the incumbent facilitates the integration of advanced analytics, data visualization, report automation, and geospatial intelligence into programmatic work, enhancing the organization’s ability to address complex challenges and deliver innovative, real-time solutions that drive impactful outcomes for children globally.

This position will provide strategical direction to the Frontier Data Network, a global community of practice that supports UNICEF through a series of nodes at regional offices that coordinate frontier technology use cases into an actionable portfolio that responds to regional priorities. The incumbent will lead the network, ensuring it has access to frontier data, talent, and technology by partnering with other agencies, academia, research, and private sector, also mobilizing resources from donors to build capacity across the network.

This position is crucial for leading research and innovation in data science and geospatial intelligence. The incumbent will pursue new methodologies in machine learning, geospatial technology, spatial analytics, and data visualization to address complex humanitarian issues, while building partnerships with academic institutions and technology leaders to keep UNICEF at the forefront of computational and geospatial research. Through these partnerships and innovations, the unit supports methodological advancements that reinforce UNICEF’s mission to protect children, address inequities, and respond effectively to crises. Under the guidance of the Chief Statistician, the incumbent will also mobilize resources to expand the unit’s capacity, extend support across child-centric programs, and position UNICEF as a leader in data science and geospatial intelligence for impactful decision-making.

Main duties and tasks:

1. Coordination and Leadership

2. Collaboration, Partnerships, and Representation

3. Technical Support and Capacity Building

4. Resources and Resource Mobilization

5. Innovation and Technology Integration

6. Strategic Planning and Future Prospects

7. Management of the Computational Analytics and Geospatial Intelligence Unit

See full Job Description for detailed duties and responsibilities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education: Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Development, Statistics, Geoinformatics, Economics or Spatial Analytics. Specialization in policy analytics, geospatial technologies, machine learning, or data engineering is preferred.
• Work experience:
  • A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in an international development context, with a proven track record in leading data and technology projects at global, regional, or national levels, specifically in computational analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, or geospatial intelligence
  • Demonstrated experience managing interdisciplinary teams focused on advanced analytics and geospatial research, including hybrid and remote teams.
  • Strong experience in hiring, performance management, and staff development. Familiarity with project management methodologies and certifications is a plus.
• Technical expertise:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering data and analytics solutions utilizing AI, spatial data science, machine learning, predictive modeling, and big data.
  • Skilled in building and managing service-oriented architectures, data pipelines, and automation workflows to support robust data management solutions.
  • Experience in implementing digital products and solutions with full stack programming languages is desirable.
  • Background in integrating geospatial intelligence within humanitarian or development projects is highly valued.
  • Project management certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum Master, or Six Sigma) or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in agile project management principles.
  • Proficiency working with Python, R, or Stata.
• Operational and Contextual Understanding:
  • Experience working effectively in low- and middle-income country contexts, with a deep understanding of the challenges and requirements for data-driven decision-making in these environments.
  • Familiarity with UNICEF, the UN system, IFIs, and international development frameworks is an asset.
• Resourcing, Partnership and Capacity Development:
  • Proven success in mobilizing resources to support data and technology initiatives.
  • Experience delivering capacity development programs and leading change management processes.
  • Skilled in building and sustaining partnerships with national governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to advance data technology capabilities.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Excellent skills in communication, facilitation, and negotiation.
  • Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including technology vendors, consultants, and cross-functional teams within UNICEF.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.  Working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per 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.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.