Consultant for Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys (ISWGHS)

Job Posting Organization:
The Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys (ISWGHS) is a collaborative initiative under the United Nations aimed at improving the quality and coordination of household surveys globally. The organization focuses on enhancing statistical methodologies, promoting innovative approaches, and ensuring that marginalized populations are represented in statistical outputs. The ISWGHS works with various stakeholders, including national statistical offices, international organizations, civil society, and academia, to strengthen the capacity of countries in conducting household surveys and integrating them with other data sources. The organization is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved data collection and analysis.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the ISWGHS work programme, which aims to enhance the coordination and delivery of household surveys. This position involves providing effective support to task forces and technical initiatives, as well as engaging with stakeholders to ensure a coherent response to emerging priorities, such as the transition of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). The consultant will contribute to methodological advancements and capacity development in household surveys, which are essential for generating high-quality, disaggregated data that can inform targeted responses to pressing needs. The role requires collaboration with various partners to improve technical outputs and increase the visibility and impact of ISWGHS initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Coordination and Organizational Support: - Assisting in the planning, organization, and documentation of ISWGHS meetings and technical consultations. - Coordinating inputs and follow-ups with ISWGHS members and partner agencies. - Drafting meeting summaries, concept notes, and communications for diverse audiences. - Maintaining project timelines and monitoring progress on the ISWGHS work programme. - Supporting outreach and engagement with regional commissions and working groups.
• Technical Support and Research: - Contributing to methodological and analytical workstreams, including survey data integration. - Conducting desk research and compiling case studies. - Supporting the development of capacity development materials and guidance documents. - Assisting in the collection and synthesis of metadata and statistical methods related to household surveys.
• Communication and Knowledge Sharing: - Updating and maintaining ISWGHS web pages and document repositories. - Supporting the preparation of presentations and outreach materials. - Assisting in organizing webinars and training sessions, coordinating with speakers and participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, sociology, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Experience working with National Statistical Offices and liaising with regional and international partners is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in project or programme management and a background in household surveys or statistical fields. Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and national implementation efforts is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as statistics, economics, or sociology. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience, specifically in the areas of statistics and data management.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience working with National Statistical Offices and engaging with both regional and international partners. Experience in project or programme management is also necessary, along with a solid background in household surveys or related statistical fields. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of data collection and analysis in various contexts.

Languages:
Full command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last initially for 6 months, with the possibility of extension depending on project requirements. This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.