Senior Statistician

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations established in July 2010, with the mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact, merging the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in various countries, including Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades, addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women and girls amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Senior Statistician position at UN Women Afghanistan is designed to provide high-level advice and strategic guidance on gender data and statistics. The primary objective is to build a comprehensive evidence base on gender equality and women's rights in Afghanistan, addressing the limited availability of accessible knowledge and analysis on gender dynamics. The consultant will focus on providing technical support for statistical modeling and quantitative analysis, developing composite indicators suited to the Afghan context, and maximizing the analytical value of existing data. This role is crucial in ensuring that decision-makers and advocates have the credible evidence necessary for gender-responsive policy and programming choices, particularly in a complex operational environment where primary data collection is constrained.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Statistician will lead UN Women Afghanistan's strategic vision on gender data and statistics, positioning the organization as a recognized authority in innovative gender measurement. Responsibilities include providing advice on statistically sound research to inform evidence-based policymaking, translating quantitative findings into advocacy-ready analysis, developing high-quality gender datasets, reviewing and improving research methodologies, assuring the quality of research outputs, and providing strategic direction on emerging statistical priorities. The consultant will also be responsible for forging new methodological pathways and ensuring the credibility and influence of UN Women’s data in high-level policy and advocacy processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in statistics, applied statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative field. A Bachelor's degree in these disciplines, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree. The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience as a statistician, with excellent analytical and technical skills in quantitative data analysis and statistical methodologies. Demonstrable experience in leading the production of indices, particularly in gender equality and human rights, is desired. Previous experience with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs is advantageous, and relevant certifications such as Certified Statistician (CS) or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) are considered assets.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant quantitative field such as statistics, applied statistics, or mathematics. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these fields may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is essential for the advanced statistical analysis and methodological development required in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience as a statistician, particularly in the context of gender equality and women's rights. Candidates should have a strong background in quantitative data analysis, statistical modeling, and the development of new indices. Experience in working with data and statistics related to gender equality and human rights is highly desirable, as is previous relevant experience with international organizations or NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based consultancy position, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role requires strong competencies in statistical analysis, effective communication, and collaboration. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.