The CITES Programme for monitoring the illegal killing of elephants (MIKE) is
looking for a Data Scientist based at the UN Environment Programme in Nairobi,
Kenya. For more details and to apply, please go to
http://tinyurl.com/mikeds-p3. Deadline for applications is 3 July.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's
designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and
regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental
policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing
emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community
for action. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is
to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does
not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The MIKE programme was
established by the CITES Conference of the Parties to monitor levels of illegal
killing of elephants at more than 80 conservation areas spread across 47
elephant range States in Africa and Asia, with the goal of providing reliable
information and building capacity for the management of elephant populations.
This positions is in the CITES Secretariat, administered by UNEP, and located
at the Nairobi duty station.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the MIKE Coordinator, the incumbent will:
1) Implement the analytical programme of work of the MIKE Programme and
coordinate the Programme’s scientific outputs by: Managing and further
developing the MIKE data management systems; developing and applying effective
quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the accuracy, consistency and
comparability of the data sets; preparing reports of MIKE analyses for
technical and non-technical audiences alike, including range State governments,
the CITES Parties, the scientific community and the public; participating in
the preparation of specialized papers for publication in the peer-reviewed
scientific literature; and contributing to the preparation, conduct and
follow-up of technical meetings. Representing the CITES Secretariat at relevant
national and international fora, and presenting the MIKE Programme’s scientific
work and findings; and responding effectively to relevant inquiries on
specialized topics from the media and the scientific community.
2) Participate in the development and coordination of site-level monitoring and
information management initiatives implemented under the MIKES Project,
including: Developing improved monitoring tools and systems for data
collection, management and application; providing technical and scientific
guidance and advice to participating governments and partners to strengthen
monitoring systems and capacity at participating sites, including through the
preparation of training materials; and leading in the development,
documentation and deployment of monitoring protocols for the collection of
relevant data.
3) Participate in the development and coordination of international information
management and dissemination initiatives implemented under the MIKES Project,
including: Conducting analyses of monitoring data and preparing analytical
reports and data visualizations; contributing to the further development of
tools and methodologies for analysing monitoring data to ensure the production
of reliable, cost effective and user-friendly synthesis information;
collaborating with the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) in developing
and consolidating systems and capacity for monitoring trade in elephant
products, and exploring collaborations for similar databases for other
illegally-traded target species; and collaborating with partners on monitoring
the population status, trends and threats to target and contributing to the
development of population status databases.
4) Participate in the management, monitoring and further development of the
MIKE Programme by: Leading the development and implementation of the MIKE
Implementation Monitoring System (MIMS); communicating regularly with
designated focal points in governments, implementing partners and MIKE
governance structures on technical and implementation matters; reviewing and
preparing relevant documents and progress reports; identifying problems and
issues to be addressed, proposing corrective actions and tracking their
execution; coordinating activities related to budget and funding
(programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial
statements, etc.) concerning project activities for which he/she is
responsible, and preparing related documents/reports , (work programmes,
budgets, etc.); participating in the supervision of consultants, including
scientists and statistical experts.
5) Undertake any other related duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and experience in the use of advanced statistical
methods, including information-theoretic approaches and Bayesian methods using
the R language; ability to prepare, manage and assure the quality of data, as
well as to design and administer relational and spatial databases using
PostgreSQL and SQLite; Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and
approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized
field; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of
issues/problems; Ability to develop sources for data collection; Conceptual
analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis,
including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research
sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other
databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Ability to apply judgment
in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting
priorities; 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.
• 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others,
correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks
questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates
openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational
goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Is
willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda;
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such
decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team
accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Offers new and
different options to solve problems or meet client needs; Promotes and
persuades others to consider new ideas; Takes calculated risks on new and
unusual ideas; Thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new
ways of doing things; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional
approaches.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Statistics,
Biostatistics, Quantitative Ecology, Forestry or a related field, additional
training in database systems an advantage. A first-level university degree in
combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted
in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in
data management and statistical analysis is required. At least three years of
experience at the international level, preferably in developing countries would
be desirable. Experience in the publication of scientific research in relevant
fields and in the workings of scientific committees is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working
knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive
assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
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