The United Nations is recruiting an Associate Data Scientist for a temporary P-2 position in Geneva. Applications close September 28, 2026.
The United Nations is recruiting an Associate Data Scientist for a temporary P-2 position with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP). The position is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, with the possibility that the duty station could change depending on operational requirements.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations |
| Position | Associate Data Scientist |
| Job Opening ID | 285225 |
| Level | P-2 |
| Job Family | Data Analytics and Management |
| Job Network | Public Information and Conference Management |
| Recruitment Type | Temporary Opportunities |
| Duty Station | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Department | Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic |
| Posted | September 22, 2026 |
| Deadline | September 28, 2026 |
| Funding | Until March 31, 2027 |
Background & Job Description
The Associate Data Scientist will support data science and analytical work for the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The role involves working with complex datasets and applying data science methods to generate insights related to missing persons in Syria, including efforts to clarify their fate, whereabouts and circumstances of disappearance.
Although Geneva is the current duty station, the vacancy states that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or another location relevant to the Institution’s operations. Applicants confirm their willingness to accept such reassignment if required.
Tasks
The Associate Data Scientist may be responsible for:
- Exploring, identifying and acquiring diverse data sources.
- Assessing data suitability for analytical use.
- Cleaning, structuring, parsing and standardizing data.
- Applying data science methods to programmatic areas.
- Developing data science products and analytical solutions.
- Using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
- Applying predictive analytics, data and text mining and natural language processing.
- Using statistical and computational methods.
- Analyzing large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
- Identifying patterns, relationships and relevant insights.
- Developing visualizations, reports, briefings and interactive interfaces.
- Guiding, training and supervising general service staff in the function.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants need an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
- Data Science
- Information Management
- Statistics
- Public Administration
- Public Information
- Management
- Another related field
A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead.
Experience
At least two years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management or a related area is required.
Desirable experience includes:
- Python, R, Jupyter, MATLAB, SPSS, SAS or similar tools.
- Data manipulation, analysis and visualization.
- pandas, Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms.
- Natural language processing.
- Large structured and unstructured datasets.
- OCR and text extraction from PDFs and images.
- Databases and SQL or NoSQL concepts.
- Data relating to Syria, including political, humanitarian or human rights contexts.
Technical Skills
The vacancy highlights knowledge of the full data analysis lifecycle, from data ingestion and wrangling through analysis and visualization.
Knowledge of statistical and computational techniques such as clustering, classification, correlation, dimension reduction, forecasting, machine learning, outlier detection and regression is also relevant to the position.
Language Requirements
English and Arabic are required.
Candidates must meet UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking for both languages.
Assessment Process
Qualified applicants may be required to complete an assessment exercise, potentially followed by a competency-based interview.
Contract and Funding
This is a temporary project position funded until March 31, 2027. The vacancy notes that the appointment is for a limited period and that eligibility may, depending on the funding source, be restricted to candidates based at the duty station.
The supplied vacancy does not state a salary amount.
Application Deadline
The deadline is:
September 28, 2026.
The UN Careers Portal states that vacancies are removed at 11:59 p.m. New York time on the deadline date.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official UN Careers / inspira application portal.
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted in the inspira application is complete and accurate. Candidates under serious consideration may undergo reference checks.
The United Nations does not charge application, interview, processing or training fees and does not request applicants’ bank-account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN Associate Data Scientist job?
It is a temporary P-2 data science position supporting analytical and information-management work for the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Where is the position located?
The current duty station is Geneva, Switzerland, although reassignment to Damascus or another operational location may be possible.
How much experience is required?
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, information management or a related field is required.
What programming languages and tools are relevant?
The vacancy specifically mentions tools and languages including Python, R, Jupyter, MATLAB, SPSS and SAS, while experience with pandas, Power BI, Tableau, NLP, OCR and SQL/NoSQL databases is desirable.
What languages are required?
English and Arabic are required at UN Level III across reading, writing, listening and speaking.
What degree is required?
A Master’s degree or equivalent in data science, information management, statistics, public administration, public information, management or a related field is required. A first degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on September 28, 2026.
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