Tech Lead Analyst, Software Engineering and Data Science (Open to Internal and External applicants)

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:

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

Background

UNDP provides integrated programmatic, policy and financing solutions to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, UNDP has created a Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) are the two anchor Bureaux of the GPN.

In this context, the newly established Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, a joint endeavor with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), provides leadership and advisory services to enhance UNDP’s impact on governance and peacebuilding, ensuring the integration of democratic governance and human rights into crisis response and recovery. 

Through Local Action, the GRP Hub seeks to contribute to peace and development, achieving a visible impact on communities and improving lives by delivering integrated solutions that harness global expertise and partnerships. The Local Action Unit works closely with local and regional governments as key development players, highlighting their role as public service implementers, as drivers of innovation and the closest institution to people. 

Local and regional governments are already responsible of over 65% of the SDG targets, most of them linked to basic service provision from water, sanitation, mobility, climate action, health or education. Cities and territories are playing a big part on the implementation of SDGs, that are becoming a new tool for strategic planning and budgeting in the mid to long-term. Since 2015, local governments and their associations have been increasingly active in promoting the SDGs through advocacy, working with their local population and partners in transposing the spirit of Agenda 2030 in cities and territories. Local Governments have also started to use SDGs as a strategic framework to deliver better and more innovative public services linked to SDG targets and indicators. As part of the SDG Local Action project, UNDP is one of the implementing partners of the Mayors Challenge, a global initiative to reimagine the most essential services that cities deliver to residents.

Within this context, the SDG Local Action project is seeking to recruit a Tech Lead Analyst, Software Engineering and Data Science to support the implementation of the 2025 Mayors Challenge project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The project implements a data-driven public policy methodology to anticipate citizens’ needs and proactively offer services, with potential for replication across different target groups. Its initial application takes place through the Plataforma Pequenos Cariocas, a priority initiative of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall focused on early childhood. The project uses the Integrated Municipal Registry (RMI), a consolidated database in the municipal data lake integrating information from Health, Education, and Social Assistance, enabling advanced analytics and a more integrated view of citizens. Based on this infrastructure, the project combines analytical models and proactive communications, especially via WhatsApp, to expand access to services and generate data that supports more effective public policies. The Tech Lead Analyst will provide senior technical leadership for the design, development, integration, and sustainability of the project’s data and software solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with IplanRio, relevant municipal technical teams, and UNDP, the Tech Lead Analyst, Software Engineering and Data Science will perform the following functions:

A. Lead data engineering and integration

B. Lead analytical and machine learning development

C. Support product development and decision-making

D. Ensure technical standards,  sustainability and knowledge management 

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

Institutional Arrangements

The Tech Lead Analyst will act in close coordination with the Project manager, allocated at IplanRio, municipal technical teams from the City Hall, including the relevant teams from Health, Education, and Social Assistance, and UNDP, contributing to the technical implementation of the project.

The Analyst will report to the Advisor, cities and local governments based in UNDP HQ in New York, USA.

Functional/Technical competencies

Business Management: Communication

Business Management 

Business Direction & Strategy

Digital

Digital 

Information Management & Technology

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required  skills:

Desired additional skills:

Language Requirements:

Professional Certificates

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.