Individual Consultant for the Establishment of a Job Creation Observatory

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a mission to empower lives and build resilient nations.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for the Establishment of a Job Creation Observatory is aimed at providing advanced data analytics and visualization support for the establishment of a Job Creation Observatory in Eswatini. The consultant will utilize targeted employment data and the recently completed MEPD database to generate actionable labor market insights that will inform policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. The consultant will work closely with the Eswatini Revenue Service to analyze employment and tax data, operationalize the MEPD database, and develop a Job Creation Observatory dashboard that provides near real-time visualization of employment trends. The role also involves translating data analysis into policy-relevant insights and supporting capacity building within the MEPD to ensure sustainable operation of the job surveillance system and dashboard.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including collaborating with the Eswatini Revenue Service to analyze PAYE datasets, developing analytical frameworks to track job creation and losses, conducting trend and comparative analysis to identify sectors with high job creation potential, and generating policy-relevant insights. Additionally, the consultant will lead the design and development of a dynamic dashboard for the Job Creation Observatory, ensuring it supports real-time visualization of key labor market indicators. The consultant will also translate complex data analytics into clear narratives for policymakers, produce analytical briefs and technical notes, and facilitate knowledge transfer to relevant MEPD technical staff. Furthermore, the consultant will operationalize the MEPD database as the central repository for job surveillance data, ensuring data integrity and establishing clear data workflows linking various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, or a closely related field. Strong technical skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization are essential, including proficiency in modern analytical and dashboard tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Python/R, SQL, or similar. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work with large administrative datasets while ensuring data quality, confidentiality, and integrity. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to translate complex technical analysis into clear, policy-relevant insights for senior decision-makers. Additionally, the candidate should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in data analytics, economic analysis, labor market analysis, or related fields, along with proven experience working with government institutions or development partners in data-driven policy support.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in data analytics, economic analysis, labor market analysis, or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience analyzing employment, labor market, wage, or earnings data, including job creation and job losses by sector or industry. Experience in designing, developing, and maintaining data dashboards linked to structured databases is essential, with a focus on timely publication and usability. Additionally, prior experience working with tax, PAYE, social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, or administrative data is a strong advantage, as is familiarity with policy planning, SDG monitoring, or national development frameworks.

Languages:
The position requires strong proficiency in English, as it is the primary language for communication and documentation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local context or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for a period of six months, spread over twelve months. The consultant will be required to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the indicated deadline. It is important to note that any requests for clarification must be sent in writing via the messaging functionality in the portal. The position is classified as an individual contractor role, and the consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the MEPD and UNDP, to ensure the successful establishment of the Job Creation Observatory.