Consultant for CRVS Applied Research Training Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established in 194

• Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, poverty reduction, and regional cooperation. The organization employs a diverse workforce of over 300 professionals and operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing technical assistance and policy advice to enhance the capabilities of its member states.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the CRVS Applied Research Training initiative (CART) by providing mentorship to participants in Cohort

• This position involves guiding two groups of approximately 10 participants each, ensuring they progress in their research endeavors. The consultant will be responsible for offering regular online support, marking deliverables, and facilitating sessions during a face-to-face workshop planned for August 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The overarching goal of this initiative is to enhance the capacity of practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region to conduct quality research that informs policy and improves civil registration and vital statistics systems. The consultant will also collaborate with CART staff and contribute to various tasks as directed by the CART Coordinators, thereby playing a pivotal role in the success of the initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include mentoring participants to ensure they complete their research projects successfully. This involves providing regular online support, marking submitted deliverables according to established schedules, and returning comments within 10 working days. The consultant will also facilitate sessions during the first face-to-face workshop, assisting in agenda development and group work facilitation. Regular meetings with CART staff will be required to ensure alignment and progress on various tasks and activities. The consultant will be expected to contribute to the overall objectives of the CART initiative, which aims to build research capacity among CRVS practitioners and improve the quality of civil registration and vital statistics systems in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in statistics, demography, public health, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in providing technical assistance to strengthen national CRVS systems is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to CRVS and at least 5 years of experience in the area of official statistics. A strong understanding of official statistics in the Asia-Pacific region is essential, and experience working with academic institutions, national statistical offices, and CRVS practitioners in the region is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in statistics, demography, public health, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of civil registration and vital statistics systems and for providing effective mentorship to participants in the CART initiative.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in providing technical assistance to strengthen national CRVS systems. Candidates should also have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the area of official statistics, demonstrating a deep understanding of the statistical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. Experience with academic institutions and national statistical offices is highly valued, as it indicates familiarity with the operational context in which CRVS practitioners work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, particularly in writing, as the consultant will be required to provide feedback on research deliverables and facilitate discussions during workshops. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset, although not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from June 20, 2025, to May 1, 202

• The 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.