Regional Disaster Data Expert

Overview

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the UN focal point for disaster risk reduction, supporting countries to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. UNDRR works with governments and partners to reduce existing disaster risks, prevent the creation of new risks, and strengthen resilience through risk-informed decision-making.

Based in Nairobi, this assignment sits within the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, supporting governments and stakeholders to strengthen disaster-related data systems, improve risk knowledge, and enhance reporting on the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) and relevant SDG indicators.

The Regional Disaster Data Expert will play a key role in accelerating the rollout of DELTA Resilience, a country-owned solution for disaster loss and damage data, supporting evidence-based planning in the context of increasing climate and disaster impacts and recent global focus on loss and damage at UNFCCC COPs.

Key Accountabilities

• Data Ecosystem Maturity & Governance: Support countries to assess data ecosystem maturity, readiness, and quality; identify context-specific governance needs and suitable approaches to strengthen national disaster data systems.
• DELTA Resilience Rollout & System Strengthening: Support governments to establish, enhance, or upgrade disaster tracking systems enabled by DELTA Resilience; provide technical assistance for system integration, interoperability, and legacy data migration.
• Sendai Framework Monitoring & Reporting: Support Sendai Framework focal points to identify, clean, and maintain primary/secondary data sources; strengthen reporting to the Sendai Framework Monitor, including relevant SDG indicators.
• National Statistics Integration: Liaise with National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to integrate disaster-related statistics into national systems and reporting structures.
• Analytics, Visualization & Insight Generation: Support trend analysis and interpretation using basic statistical methods and/or machine learning; produce simple visualizations and contribute to dashboards, infographics, and analytical products.
• Reporting, Knowledge Products & Stakeholder Support: Support UN Country Teams and government counterparts in producing analytical reports and evidence products that translate data into action-oriented insights.
• Volunteerism & Community Engagement: UN Volunteers are encouraged to promote volunteerism by participating in UNV initiatives (e.g., International Volunteer Day), contributing articles and write-ups, and supporting local volunteer engagement where possible.

Profile Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Economics, Statistics, Information Management, GIS, Public Administration, Management, or related field.
• A first-level degree plus qualifying experience may be accepted.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in:
• data analysis / applied analytics / statistics
• information management
• project and stakeholder management
• capacity development or related areas

Languages

• English – Fluent (required)
• French – Working knowledge (desirable)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong experience in applied analytics and data interpretation.
• Data visualization and self-service analytics tools (asset).
• Capacity development and facilitation experience (asset).
• Geospatial data management tools (highly desirable).
• Strong communication and document production skills.
• Ability to work in multicultural teams and challenging environments.
• Strong computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, databases).
• Interest in disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience in the UN system.

Key skills/competency

• Disaster Data Analysis
• Data Ecosystem Governance
• DELTA Resilience
• Sendai Framework Monitoring
• National Statistics Integration
• Data Visualization
• Applied Analytics
• Information Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Geospatial Data