Disaster Data Expert

UNDRR is the UN system’s focal point for disaster risk reduction, responsible for leading the implementation of the Sendai Framework (2015–2030). The assignment supports UNDRR’s strategic focus on strengthening risk knowledge and disaster-related data systems across Africa.

The Regional Office for Africa assists governments in building robust data systems for disaster and climate risk assessment, monitoring, and reporting. Recent evaluations highlight gaps in data availability and capacity for Sendai Framework Monitoring and emerging loss-and-damage needs under UNFCCC processes.

The expert will support the rollout of DELTA Resilience and improvements to national disaster data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Risk Knowledge/Data Officer, the Disaster Data Expert will:

• Guide countries in assessing data maturity, readiness, and governance.

• Identify regional government needs for establishing or upgrading disaster tracking systems using DELTA Resilience.

• Support capacity development on data collection, analysis, and reporting for the Sendai Framework Monitor and relevant SDG indicators.

• Provide technical assistance on data integration, legacy data migration, and system interoperability.

• Coordinate with National Statistical Offices to strengthen disaster-related statistics.

• Support focal points in identifying, cleaning, and maintaining data sources for SFM reporting.

• Assist data users in understanding data formats, variables, disaggregation, and quality requirements.

• Help data producers/users identify trends using visualizations, basic statistics, and machine learning techniques.

• Support preparation of analytical reports, dashboards, and infographics.

Profile Requirements

• Minimum 7 years in data analysis, statistics, information management, project/stakeholder management, or capacity development.

• Master’s in data science, computer science, analytics, economics, statistics, information management, GIS, public administration, or related fields. A bachelor’s with qualifying experience may be accepted.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with analytics and data visualization tools.

• Experience coordinating/facilitating capacity development.

• Strong geospatial data management skills.

• Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork capabilities.

• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, databases).

• Ability to work under minimal supervision and tight deadlines.

• Interest in disaster risk reduction, climate action, resilience, volunteerism, and the UN system.

Volunteer Living Allowance: currently US$ 3,830 to US$ 4,280

UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.

Check out UNV's Entitlement Calculator on UVP, the Unified Volunteer Platform, and learn more.