Consultant for Data for Now Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), which is part of the United Nations. UNSD is dedicated to promoting the use of statistics in the development of policies and programs that support sustainable development. The organization works with various stakeholders, including national statistical offices, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, to enhance the capacity of countries to produce and disseminate reliable data. UNSD has been operational for several decades and employs a diverse team of professionals across multiple countries, focusing on improving statistical systems worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is focused on supporting the Data for Now initiative, which aims to enhance the capacity of countries to provide timely and disaggregated data necessary for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will engage with national statistical offices and other stakeholders to implement agreed activities, provide technical support, and develop communication materials. The role requires collaboration with various partners, including the World Bank, UNDP, and GPSDD, to ensure effective data production and dissemination. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing detailed work plans, conducting workshops, and contributing to the overall coordination of the initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include preparing a detailed plan of activities with key outputs and timelines, engaging with project countries to support their progress, delivering workshops and training sessions, and coordinating with stakeholders at regional and global levels. The consultant will also contribute to methodological work related to thematic areas such as poverty and gender, support communications efforts to visualize results, and fulfill administrative tasks as assigned. Additionally, the consultant will be involved in producing data stories and updating the Data for Now webpages with relevant information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics, economics, development studies, international relations, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with twelve years of relevant work experience may be accepted. The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, including statistics or economics, and at least five years of experience working with national statistical offices in capacity development roles. Knowledge of statistical production, project management, and stakeholder engagement is essential, along with familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as statistics, economics, or international relations. A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted if accompanied by extensive work experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of data production and the statistical methodologies necessary for effective implementation of the Data for Now initiative.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, particularly in statistics or economics. This experience should include at least five years of direct work with national statistical offices, focusing on capacity development, guidance, and training. The candidate should also have a solid understanding of statistical production processes and experience in project management and stakeholder engagement within the data and statistics domain.

Languages:
Full command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage in international contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with regular phone and web conference meetings with UNSD and other partners. The initial consultancy period is from 15 May 2026 to 15 November 2026, with the possibility of extension. Travel to selected project countries may be required for meetings and workshops, with travel authorization granted prior to travel. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.