Data Science Analyst (Open external applicants)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

 Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations.

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation against whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP personnel, contractors, and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations of financial irregularities committed by parties external to UNDP that are detrimental to UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high-risk areas susceptible to wrongdoing, fraud, and corruption.

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI needs to engage a qualified, skilled, and experienced Data Science Analyst under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support the development of data-driven applications and the application of advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to enhance OAI’s investigative work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, AI, Data Science, and Financial Forensics, Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), the Data Science Analyst will undertake the following activities:

Development of Data & AI Solutions

• Develop, test, and deploy data-driven applications that automate and enhance OAI’s intake process and support the writing of its investigation work plans.
• Apply advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to extract insights from structured and unstructured data relevant to investigations.
• Support the design and development of AI-powered tools that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigative workflows.
• Research, evaluate, and implement algorithms and technologies to improve data quality, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analysis.

Collaboration and Operational Support

• Collaborate with investigators, auditors, and other specialists within OAI to identify opportunities to apply data science solutions to complex investigative challenges.
• Assist with other data management, visualization, and reporting tasks as required.
• Draft reports and deliverables relevant to her/his work as instructed.

Documentation and Capacity Building

• Develop and maintain clear documentation of data pipelines, models, processes, and results to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
• Train OAI team members on the use of developed tools, dashboards, and data products, and build in-house capacity for data analytics.

Facilitate knowledge and knowledge sharing

• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Team Lead, AI, Data Science, and Financial Forensics, w