National Consultant Data Processing Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and resource mobilization to strengthen impact at the country level.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant Data Processing Expert position is located in the FAO Country Office in Baghdad, Iraq. This role is crucial for supporting the preparatory phase of the Agricultural Census, which aligns with the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA). The WCA promotes a standardized approach for conducting national agricultural censuses every ten years. The consultant will work closely with the Government of Iraq and various stakeholders to enhance the capacity of the national statistical authority in planning and implementing the census. This includes defining the census methodology, establishing operational arrangements, and developing comprehensive project documents and budgets. The consultant will also be responsible for implementing the data processing component of the project, ensuring that the necessary tools and training are in place for effective data collection and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant Data Processing Expert will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with the CSGIS, FAO team, and other experts to prepare and establish a work plan for implementing the data processing component of the project, which includes the development of a CAPI app, validation rules, and data processing and tabulation methods.
• Supporting the assessment of data processing capacities and facilities in the CSGIS, and using the outcomes to create a program for upgrading knowledge and skills in census data capturing, processing, and tabulation.
• Providing hands-on training and working with International and National Consultant Statisticians to develop a cost-effective data processing program and tools, ensuring they are fine-tuned after field testing.
• Organizing and conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions on the CAPI App for census questionnaire data processing, tabulation, and quality control for Core Census Team members.
• Assisting in the planning, organizing, and conducting of census instruments testing.
• Preparing End of Mission Reports and an Assignment Report in an agreed format for clearance by the LTO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in data processing with a specialization in agricultural statistics.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural census and surveys, particularly in middle-income countries.
• A working knowledge of English and Arabic.
• Candidates must be nationals of Iraq or residents of the country with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent management capabilities, teamwork skills, and the ability to produce high-quality professional reports.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in data processing, with a specialization in agricultural statistics. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural data collection and analysis, as well as for developing effective methodologies for the census.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in agricultural census and surveys, particularly in middle-income countries. This experience is crucial for understanding the organizational aspects of conducting a census and for effectively implementing data processing methodologies.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of Arabic. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and international experts involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and candidates should be prepared for a contract that may vary in duration based on project needs. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to working closely with the FAO team and other stakeholders. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process, and the organization is open to recruiting both nationally and internationally.