Expert/Trainer in Data Science (SSA) - OSCE Mission to Moldova, Chisinau

• Issued by: OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
• Requisition ID: MOL000089
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: NP3
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: MOL - OSCE Mission to Moldova, Chisinau
• Additional Locations: OSCE
• Issue Date: Oct 8, 2024
• Closing Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Education Level: Technical Diploma
• Target Start Date: November 2024

Background:

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. 

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) is organizing a pilot course on "Applied Data Science Skills for Measuring the Integration of Diverse Societies" for analysts at state authorities in Moldova. This course addresses the critical need for evidence-based and conflict-sensitive approaches to societal integration, particularly in the context of minority rights and conflict prevention. The course will consist of three in-person workshops (3 days each in Moldova), continuous online learning content; and six online lectures (2 hours each). The course will be delivered with a variety of tools and is based on the edX learning platform.

The course aims to equip participants with essential data science skills, focusing on Python for data analysis, while grounding their work in human rights and integration principles. By blending technical expertise with a nuanced understanding of integration policies, the course will contribute to Moldova's ability to design, implement, and evaluate policies that promote equality and reduce societal tensions.

Objective of Assignment: 

The overall objective of this role is to provide technical expertise in data science, particularly in Python programming and its application to social data analysis. The Technical Specialist will be responsible for developing and delivering the technical components of the course, ensuring that participants acquire practical skills in data analysis within the context of measuring societal integration and minority rights. The substantive components will be developed by other course instructors.

Duration of Assignment:
The assignment is expected to run from 1 November 2024 to 31 December 2024, encompassing a total of 20 working days with the possibility to extend. 

The Technical Specialist will work remotely for course preparation and online sessions, with travel in Moldova required for the in-person workshops (one trip of approximately one week).

 Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Project Officer and in close coordination with other course instructors, the successful candidate will  perform the following tasks:

1. Course Development and Preparation (November 2024-December 2024)

• • Develop detailed curriculum for the technical components of the course, focusing on Python programming for data analysis.
  • Create hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects that apply data science techniques to real-world integration and minority rights data.
  • Prepare teaching materials, including presentation slides, code examples, and datasets for use in the course.

      2. Course Delivery (November 2024).

• • Serve as the primary instructor for the technical sessions of one workshop: Introduction to Python for Data Analysis
  • Provide guidance and support during hands-on exercises and project work.
  • Collaborate with other instructors to ensure seamless integration of technical content with substantive topics on minority rights and integration.

      3. Participant Support and Evaluation.

• • Offer ongoing support to participants as they work on assignments and projects between sessions.
  • Evaluate participants' technical progress and provide constructive feedback.
  • Assist in the development and assessment of the final project (Session 6).

      4. Content Refinement and Documentation.

• • Based on participant feedback and observed results, refine and improve course materials for potential future iterations.
  • Develop a comprehensive course manual that documents all technical content, exercises, and best practices for data analysis in the context of integration measurement

      5. Collaboration and Reporting.

• • Work closely with other course instructors to ensure alignment between technical skills and substantive knowledge on integration and minority rights.
  • Provide regular updates to the Project Officer on course progress, participant advancement, and any challenges encountered.
  • Contribute to the final course report, focusing on the technical aspects and outcomes of the training.

Deliverables:

1. Detailed curriculum and teaching materials for technical sessions, based on existing course material and textbooks; developed on the HCNM learning platform (edX), for three 3-day workshops and six online lectures.
2. Set of hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects relevant to minority rights and integration for continuous learning assignments in between workshops and lectures.
3. Participation in the first in-person course as well as provision of participant support.

Performance Indicators:

1. Quality and relevance of developed course materials as assessed by the Project Advisor and participants.
2. Effectiveness in delivering technical content, measured by participant feedback and skill acquisition.
3. Timeliness in completing all assigned tasks and delivering required materials.
4. Level of integration between technical skills and substantive knowledge on minority rights and integration.
5. Quality and usefulness of the final report and recommendations.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm

 Necessary Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field or comparable experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on Python programming for data analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in using Python libraries such as Pandas, Matplotlib, and statsmodels for social data analysis.
• Experience in teaching or training adults in technical subjects, preferably in a workshop or course setting.
• Familiarity with social science research methods and survey data analysis desirable.
• Understanding of human rights principles and issues related to societal integration is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Ability to work accurately and confidentially, both independently and in a team.
• Fluency in Romanian required.
• Good knowledge of English is required.
• Good knowledge of Russian desirable.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.