Background

The complexity and interconnectedness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require novel approaches, methodologies, strong data systems, and institutions that would have the capacity to provide ‘out of the box’ solutions to the problems faced by the global community. 

In response, the United Nations and the Government of Armenia have established the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab as a platform for collaboration, experimentation, analytics and world class human resource development to accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2030. The Lab is the first of its kind in country platform to support SDG implementation at country level. To do this, the Lab has adopted a toolbox of innovative methodologies such as behavioral experimentation, data analytics, impact investment and capacity building in the Lab’s most advanced public policy techniques.

After the completion of its start-up phase (Phase I, Nov 2017 – Feb 2018), which involved initial set up, recruitment of core staff, resource mobilization, the Lab is now entering its Phase II with several projects already in the pipeline from Phase I and many more at concept stage ready to be implemented.

The ultimate goal of the Lab is to contribute to Armenia’s National Development Strategy. To do so, the Lab closely cooperates with the office of the Prime Minister, SDGs Inter-Agency Working Groups, local and international partners to support the achievement of the SDGs that are priorities for the Government of Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Data Analytics Task Lead will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the SDG Innovation Lab Lead. The incumbent will perform the following functions:

  • Lead the Data Analytics service line of the SDG Innovation Lab in close cooperation with the Behavioral Insights lead and Public Policy Innovation and Innovative Financing tools service line leads to shape the SDG innovation agenda;
  • Oversee the implementation of data science projects indicated in the Data Analytics Roadmap of the SDG Innovation Lab;
  • Enrich the Data Analytics Roadmap with novel insights and feasible projects;
  • Supervise a team of Junior Data Science Consultants;
  • Collaborate with private and public organizations to get access to their databases;
  • Build a network consisting of local and international organizations as well as academic institutions that apply data science to policymaking;
  • Participate in fundraising efforts of the Lab;
  • Supervise and participate in the writing of machine-learning algorithms based on the predefined policy areas and identified projects;
  • Apply advanced statistical and predictive modeling techniques to build, maintain, and improve on multiple real-time decision systems, organize large datasets to get actionable insights from them;
  • Provide other support and assistance as required.

Deliverables

  • Organization and coordination of the implementation of 3-4 Data Analytics projects.
  • Established collaboration with international organizations, academic institutions and development agencies that apply data science to policymaking.
  • Support to capacity building activities of the Lab (2-3 trainings for policymakers in the Republic of Armenia)
  • 3-4 grant proposals submitted (conditional on the availability of calls).

Competencies

  • Good applied statistics skills, such as distributions, statistical testing, regression;
  • Excellent understanding of machine learning techniques and algorithms;
  • Strong coding and scripting skills, experience with common data science toolkits, proficiency in R, Python, Matlab or other related software package is strongly required;
  • Proficiency in using query languages such as SQL, Hive, Pig;
  • Interest in innovation for development;
  • Excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;
  • Creative flair and originality;
  • High level of motivation, ability to show initiative and work independently;
  • Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related technical field (PhD preferred). 

Experience: 

  • At least 2 years of statistical modeling and/or machine learning experience;
  • At least 2 years of project management experience.

Language Skills:

  • Fluency in Armenian and English is required (written and oral), knowledge of Russian will be considered an asset   

     

NDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications,  experience and financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points. 

 

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

General Conditions of Contract is available here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf.

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).