Statistical Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP is committed to promoting volunteerism as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has established the Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS) to enhance the measurement and impact of volunteerism globally.

Job Overview:
The Statistical Specialist position is a critical role within the Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS) of UNV, aimed at establishing statistical priorities and advancing the development of the Global Index of Volunteer Engagement (GIVE). The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Chief of VASS and report to the Policy Specialist (Evidence). The primary responsibilities include promoting volunteer measurement methodologies, producing statistical datasets, and ensuring the integration of volunteerism data into strategic development and policy documents. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Member States, UN entities, and volunteer organizations, to enhance the quality and availability of volunteerism data. The Statistical Specialist will also lead capacity-building initiatives and represent UNV in key statistical forums, contributing to the organization's strategic framework for 2026-2029.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides technical leadership on quality, standards, and harmonization of volunteer statistics and data. This includes participating in the development of international standards, providing strategic guidance for assessments and surveys, and collaborating with counterparts for impact assessments. The role also involves keeping UN Member States informed about developments in volunteer statistics and providing statistical advice to UNV's Executive Office and Regional Offices.
• Provides technical leadership for the establishment of a global volunteer index. The Statistical Specialist will manage the Global Index of Volunteer Engagement (GIVE), ensuring sustainable data collection and analysis processes, and coordinating consultations with National Statistical Offices to ensure member state buy-in.
• Provides analysis of all relevant volunteer data and leads efforts to fill data gaps. This includes identifying gaps in volunteer data, developing strategies to fill these gaps, and leading advocacy efforts to improve statistics on volunteerism.
• Leads capacity development activities and provides technical support to improve the capacities of member states to collect and disseminate official statistics on volunteerism. This involves overseeing data collection training and field supervision, as well as contributing to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Engages in statistics-related partnerships and represents UNV in key statistical fora. The Statistical Specialist will contribute to publications, expert group meetings, and explore partnerships with other UN entities and volunteer-supporting organizations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Statistics, Sociology, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in statistical data management, collection, analysis, and dissemination, or 7 years with a bachelor's degree. Expertise in statistical production software such as Stata, SPSS, or Python is required, along with experience in national and international statistical organizations and collaboration with UN agencies on data-related initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Statistics, Sociology, Economics, or Development Studies. A bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in statistical methodologies and data analysis techniques.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree or 7 years with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should have experience in managing, collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating statistical data. Experience in statistical production software and innovative data collection methods is essential. Familiarity with working in national and international statistical organizations, as well as collaboration with UN agencies, is highly desirable. Leadership experience in developing indices and statistical exercises is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to applicants from various tiers within the UNDP/UNCDF/UNV framework. The successful candidate will hold a UNDP letter of appointment for a Temporary Assignment. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.