International Consultant for Evidence-Based Policy Development: Analysis of the findings of the MICS7 and Fertility Aspirations Survey

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing approximately 4,000 staff members globally. The organization collaborates with governments and national partners to support the collection, analysis, and utilization of population data to inform strategic planning, particularly in areas related to reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop targeted, evidence-based policy outputs that translate the findings from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7) and the Fertility Aspirations Survey (FAS) into actionable recommendations for national and subnational decision-making, planning, and advocacy. The consultant will focus on translating MICS7 results into sub-national profiles with recommendations for addressing gaps in reproductive health (RH) and gender-based violence (GBV), as well as interpreting FAS findings to produce a comprehensive national report on fertility drivers and family-friendly policies. The consultancy emphasizes the importance of data-to-policy translation, ensuring that both statistical and qualitative findings are transformed into prioritized, feasible, and context-specific interventions that can effectively support the Government of Turkmenistan in its demographic transition efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake two main tasks: 1) Conduct a sub-national MICS7 Data-to-Policy Analysis, which includes reviewing datasets, identifying priority findings, conducting disparity mapping, developing regional profiles, and consolidating recommendations. 2) Perform a Fertility Aspirations Survey (FAS) Analysis, which involves data interpretation, thematic coding, causal triangulation, and drafting a national report. The consultant will also synthesize findings from both analyses into a coherent narrative, develop advocacy messages, and prepare a strategic presentation for high-level dialogue. The consultancy is expected to produce a detailed methodology and workplan, policy-oriented analytical summaries, national reports, and sub-national demographic profiles, all of which must be clear, concise, and reader-friendly, incorporating visual elements where appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Demography, Economics, Statistics, Sociology, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in policy-oriented research, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or policy development in the social sector is required. Proven experience with MICS, DHS, or similar large-scale household survey datasets is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to translate complex statistical data into actionable policy papers or briefs for government audiences. Experience in Central Asia or similar cultural contexts, as well as experience working with government organizations or international organizations, is considered an asset. Fluency in oral and written English is essential, and knowledge of Russian is advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Demography, Economics, Statistics, Sociology, or a related field is required for this consultancy position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to analyze demographic data and develop evidence-based policy recommendations effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in conducting policy-oriented research, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or policy development specifically within the social sector. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the consultant can effectively interpret complex data and translate it into actionable policy recommendations that are relevant to the context of Turkmenistan.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and communicate findings effectively. Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse populations in Turkmenistan.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 34 working days, from May 11, 2026, to September 10, 2026, including the operational closure of the contract. The services will be delivered in an online (home-based) mode, and no travel is expected. The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P-4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective January 1, 2026, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance, encouraging women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.