International Consultant on Time Use Survey Methodology

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in the area of gender equality. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. UN Women Albania is currently implementing its Strategic Note for 2022–2026, which aims to ensure that all women and girls enjoy and exercise their human rights in a gender-equal society, contributing to Albania’s sustainable socio-economic development and EU integration. The organization is involved in various initiatives, including the EU4Gender Equality II program, which aligns national frameworks with EU gender equality standards, and focuses on producing reliable gender statistics for evidence-based policymaking.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant on Time Use Survey Methodology will provide essential technical assistance to INSTAT (the National Institute of Statistics in Albania) in preparing the methodology and tools for conducting the national Time Use Survey (TUS) in 202

• This role is crucial for ensuring that the survey aligns with Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 and Eurostat’s HETUS standards. The consultant will be responsible for developing survey instruments, training materials, and coding protocols, while also building the institutional capacity of INSTAT staff. The consultant's work will directly contribute to the production of gender statistics, which are vital for monitoring gender equality indicators and fulfilling Albania's EU accession obligations. The consultant will work in a hybrid modality, combining home-based tasks with in-country presence for key activities, including training and methodology finalization. The position requires a strong background in survey design and implementation, particularly in the context of gender statistics and time use surveys.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will support INSTAT in several key areas:

• Survey Instruments and Documentation: Provide methodological guidance on data collection methodology and sampling design, including recommendations on sample size, stratification, and weighting methodology. Customize survey methodology and data collection tools (household, individual, diary questionnaires) according to HETUS 2018 standards. Develop data collection instructions and enumerators’ manuals to ensure standardized data collection. Create training materials for enumerators/supervisors covering interview techniques, diary collection protocols, and coding of activities.
• Training & Capacity Development: Facilitate user-producer dialogue to identify national priorities and data needs. Conduct at least one training workshop for INSTAT staff on survey methodology and Eurostat compliance. Provide guidance for training sessions for enumerators and coders, including quality control and error detection.
• Coding and Data Processing: Develop coding lists and protocols for diary activities in line with HETUS 2018 Activity Coding List (ACL), including practical guidance on setting up a coding index for harmonized coding processes.
• Finalization of Methodology: Provide recommendations on finalizing the survey methodology package based on pilot survey results, ensuring full alignment with Eurostat standards. The consultant will also be responsible for submitting detailed reports and documentation of all activities undertaken during the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in economics, statistics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The consultant must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and implementing quantitative household surveys at national or regional levels, with specific experience in Time Use Surveys in accordance with EUROSTAT methodology. A proven track record of producing high-quality data-focused research publications, particularly in gender equality and time use statistics, is essential. Previous experience with the UN system or other international organizations is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in either economics, statistics, 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 university degree. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of survey methodology and data analysis required for the role.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least 10 years of experience in the design and implementation of quantitative household surveys at national and/or regional levels. This experience should include specific expertise in designing and implementing Time Use Surveys that align with EUROSTAT methodology. The consultant should also have a proven track record of producing high-quality research publications focused on data analysis, particularly in the areas of gender equality and time use statistics. Previous experience working with the UN system or other international organizations will be considered an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in gender statistics.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for the consultant to interact with various stakeholders, produce high-quality documentation, and deliver training sessions. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with a maximum of up to three trips to Tirana, Albania, required for key activities such as training and methodology finalization. UN Women will provide access to background and resource materials, technical inputs for reviewing methodological documents, and logistical support for missions to INSTAT. The consultant will work in a hybrid modality, combining home-based tasks with in-country presence for training and collaboration with INSTAT staff. All deliverables must be submitted in English, and the consultant will be expected to provide detailed reports and documentation of their work, including methodological notes, survey instruments, and training materials.