Consultant for Demographic Dividend Analysis

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 has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to reduce maternal mortality. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) goals, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who can uphold international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results in their programs.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in analyzing demographic data to support the implementation of the Safeguard Young People (SYP) program in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region. This position requires a deep understanding of demographic trends and their implications for policy and planning. The consultant will be responsible for generating evidence that informs the alignment of demographic data with national development plans, ensuring that youth policies are effectively integrated into broader economic strategies. The role involves utilizing megatrend analysis to transform static census data into actionable insights that can guide infrastructure investment and service delivery. The consultant will work closely with various ministries to facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and ensure that demographic intelligence is embedded across all relevant sectors. This position is home-based but may require travel to SYP countries and the ESARO region for consultations and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct evidence generation through demographic analysis, including age structure analysis to identify youth bulges and assess potential for demographic dividends.
• Perform spatial analysis to disaggregate demographic data by province and settlement type, aligning infrastructure investments with migration trends.
• Utilize megatrend modeling to forecast future service demands in education and healthcare.
• Conduct SWOT analysis of current Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) to identify gaps in demographic variables.
• Align demographic data with the AU Roadmap's four key pillars: Employment, Education, Health, and Rights.
• Prepare a referencing document for mainstreaming demographic dividend considerations into youth policies.
• Deliver a series of reports and documents, including an inception report, demographic intelligence report, spatial analysis brief, and policy evaluation report.
• Engage with stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and consultation around demographic priorities and youth policy revisions.
• Develop guidelines for mainstreaming demographic intelligence into national development plans and youth policies. 1
• Ensure all deliverables are submitted on time and meet the quality standards set by UNFPA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in social science, demography, public health, statistics, or a related field, with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with a minimum of 5 years of experience. The consultant should have a strong ability to analyze demographic data and apply it to policy and planning contexts. Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, or R is essential, along with experience in demographic modeling methodologies. Familiarity with demographic instruments like National Transfer Accounts (NTA) and geospatial data is required. The consultant should also have experience in synthesizing diverse data sources for evidence-based recommendations and possess strong communication skills to engage with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social science, demography, public health, statistics, or a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred and may substitute for some years of experience. The educational background should include training in demographic analysis, statistical methods, and policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience for candidates with a Master's degree or 5 years for those with a PhD. Experience should include working with demographic data, conducting policy analysis, and engaging with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Proven experience in demographic modeling and analysis, as well as familiarity with frameworks like the Demographic Dividend and SDGs, is essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and for the deliverables expected from the consultant. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with a total commitment of 60 working days scheduled from June 1 to December 31, 202

• The consultant will be expected to submit deliverables within specified timelines, and pre-approved travel to SYP countries and the ESARO region may be required. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes gender equality and healthy work-life balance, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities.