Data Analysis Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind this job posting is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in supporting countries to collect and analyze population data, which is essential for effective policymaking and development planning.

Job Overview:
The position of Data Analysis Expert is critical for the successful execution of the 2026 Population and Housing Census in Sierra Leone. This role involves analyzing census data to produce high-quality statistical outputs, reports, and visualizations that will inform policy and development planning. The consultant will work closely with Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and UNFPA to ensure that the data processing flow is effectively planned, organized, implemented, monitored, and evaluated. The expert will be responsible for conducting both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, generating key demographic and socio-economic indicators, and segmenting data by various variables. The role also includes producing analytical tables, validating outputs, writing reports, developing data visualizations, and contributing to policy-relevant outputs. The consultant will participate in capacity-building efforts by training Stats SL staff and ensuring knowledge transfer in data analysis techniques, report writing, and data visualization. Collaboration with other consultants and stakeholders is essential to address data quality issues and to participate in technical working sessions and dissemination activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Analysis Expert will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: conducting descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of census data; generating key demographic and socio-economic indicators; segmenting data by geographic, demographic, and socio-economic variables; working with cleaned datasets to produce analytical tables; supporting the validation of tabulated outputs for consistency; preparing the initial pilot census report; contributing to thematic reports on population structure, fertility, and migration; ensuring that outputs align with UN and national reporting standards; developing charts, graphs, and infographics for data visualization; contributing to policy briefs and summary reports that highlight key findings relevant to national development priorities; participating in training sessions for Stats SL staff; supporting knowledge transfer on data analysis techniques, report writing, and data visualization; collaborating closely with the Data Processing Consultant; providing feedback on data quality issues; and participating in technical working sessions and dissemination activities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess an advanced degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field from a recognized university. Additionally, the consultant should have at least five years of experience processing household survey data captured using tablets for computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and Survey Solutions software. A minimum of ten years of demonstrated professional experience in conducting quality assurance of household-based surveys and population censuses, data processing, systems design, and data archiving is required. The candidate should also have at least five years of experience working with statistical and demographic analysis software such as CSPRO and SPSS, with knowledge of Python or R considered an asset. A good understanding of existing technology and modern equipment in census data processing, as well as the challenges faced by developing countries in relation to population census, is essential. Proven experience in planning and implementing census data processing and technical capacity building/training in developing countries is also necessary, along with experience in teamwork, especially in the field of population censuses, and leading teams in a complex multi-cultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Demography, Economics, Computer Science, or Data Science from a recognized university. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of data analysis and the methodologies required for effective census data processing and reporting.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least ten years of professional experience in the field of data processing, quality assurance of household surveys, and population censuses. The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting statistical analyses and working with census data, as well as experience in training and capacity building within developing countries. The ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment and lead teams effectively is also important.

Languages:
Fluent spoken and written English is essential for this position. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations being studied.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for three months, from April 20 to July 19, 202

• The payment schedule is structured around milestones, with 30% paid upon submission of the inception report and analysis plan, 40% upon submission of draft outputs (tables and report inputs), and the final 30% upon completion of all deliverables. The consultant will be stationed at Statistics Sierra Leone and will report to the Director of Data Science, with technical oversight from UNFPA. Weekly meetings will be organized to monitor progress and address any issues that arise. Confidentiality and data integrity are paramount, and the consultant must adhere to strict data protection policies. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.