Consultant for National Statistical System Coordination

Job Posting Organization:
The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) is a government agency responsible for coordinating the National Statistical System (NSS) in Rwanda. Established to ensure the production, dissemination, and use of high-quality official statistics, NISR plays a critical role in policy formulation, planning, monitoring, and decision-making. The organization aims to enhance the effectiveness of statistical activities and improve collaboration among various stakeholders within the NSS. NISR is committed to addressing challenges in coordination and alignment of statistical activities, thereby contributing to the overall development goals of Rwanda.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with strengthening coordination, collaboration, user engagement, and capacity building within the National Statistical System (NSS). This involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing coordination mechanisms, identifying gaps and challenges, and designing innovative strategies to enhance collaboration and efficiency across NSS institutions. The consultant will also be responsible for developing sector strategic plans for official statistics that align with the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS). The role requires close collaboration with key NSS stakeholders and technical guidance from NISR to ensure the effective use of official statistics for policy and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a systematic assessment of existing NSS coordination mechanisms, identifying key gaps and inefficiencies, facilitating the development of Sector Strategic Plans for Statistics (SSPs), and supporting effective coordination among NSS institutions. The consultant will provide technical guidance on integrating statistical priorities into sector planning, propose innovative coordination mechanisms, and assist in monitoring the implementation of NSS coordination strategies. Additionally, the consultant will assess user engagement practices, design strategies to promote the use of official statistics, and support outreach activities targeting various user groups. Capacity building will also be a key responsibility, involving the assessment of capacity gaps, designing tailored training programs, and promoting knowledge-sharing across NSS institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in development studies, Public Policy, or Economics. A PhD based on research involving statistical analysis of large-scale survey datasets and policy-oriented research is considered a strong asset. The consultant should have demonstrated professional experience in official statistics, with a minimum of seven years of substantive experience within a National Statistical Office (NSO) or an equivalent institution. Additional experience in strengthening statistical systems through international organizations or regional statistical bodies will be advantageous. Supporting evidence of relevant professional experience is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in development studies, Public Policy, or Economics. A PhD is highly desirable, particularly if it involves research that applies statistical analysis to large-scale datasets and policy-oriented research. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of statistical systems and their application in policy formulation and decision-making.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of substantive experience in official statistics, particularly within a National Statistical Office (NSO) or a similar institution responsible for coordinating a National Statistical System (NSS). Candidates with additional experience in supporting statistical system strengthening through international organizations or regional statistical bodies will be viewed favorably. This level of experience is crucial for effectively assessing and enhancing the coordination and collaboration within the NSS.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Professional working proficiency in French is desirable, given the bilingual nature of Rwanda. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda is considered an asset, as it would facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance communication within the NSS.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that is not specified in the job posting. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ community members, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Additionally, candidates should be aware that selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.