Senior Technical Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), is implementing the 2026 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). This survey serves as the primary source of data on various health indicators in Cambodia, including population health, reproductive health, family planning, maternal and child health, and gender-based violence. The organization collaborates with UNFPA, UNICEF, and other development partners to provide technical support for the survey's implementation. The NIS has been operational in Cambodia for several years, focusing on collecting and analyzing demographic and health data to inform policy and program decisions. The CDHS is a critical initiative that aims to enhance the understanding of health trends and needs in the country, ensuring that the data collected is representative and reliable.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Consultant will play a pivotal role in overseeing the second phase of the CDHS, which involves ensuring that the final report meets international standards for quality and accuracy. This position requires remote supervision of the Data Processing Expert and potentially other team members, leading joint data analysis, and report writing. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the data processing and ensuring that all outputs adhere to the highest standards. The role also includes analyzing field data, providing technical recommendations, and guiding the NIS on data protection and archiving protocols. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including UNFPA and NIS, to ensure that the survey's objectives are met effectively and efficiently. The consultant's work will be crucial in producing a comprehensive report that reflects the findings of the survey and contributes to the overall goals of improving health outcomes in Cambodia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Supervision and Data Quality Oversight: Provide high-level remote supervision and technical guidance to the Data Processing Expert, ensuring data quality and adherence to international DHS standards. Review and certify the data quality of recode files prepared for analysis.
• Field Monitoring Analysis and Quality Reporting: Analyze real-time field check tables to identify data quality issues and provide immediate recommendations to UNFPA and NIS.
• Joint Data Analysis and Final Report Writing: Lead the planning and execution of data analysis, ensuring adherence to statistical methodologies and report writing standards.
• Data Protection and Archiving Finalization: Guide NIS on data anonymization and documentation protocols for national and international archiving.
• Conditional In-Person Support: If funding allows, conduct a two-week workshop in Cambodia focused on joint data analysis and report production. Expected outputs include comprehensive reports on data quality, a data tabulation plan, and the final CDHS report, all demonstrating adherence to international standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters or higher) in demography, statistics, public health, or a related field. They should have over 10 years of experience in managing large-scale household surveys, with a focus on DHS protocols. Comprehensive technical expertise in DHS methodology and international survey standards is essential, along with advanced proficiency in CAPI and statistical analysis software. Strong analytical capabilities and excellent communication skills are required, as well as experience working with UN agencies or international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate project management skills and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining cultural sensitivity.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Masters or higher) in demography, statistics, public health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of demographic and health data collection and analysis, as well as for ensuring that the consultant can effectively contribute to the survey's objectives and methodologies.

Experience:
The position requires over 10 years of leadership experience in managing and providing technical support for large-scale household surveys, particularly with a focus on DHS protocols. Candidates should have a proven track record in the survey lifecycle, including survey design, field implementation, data analysis, and report writing. Familiarity with Cambodia's specific DHS context is considered an asset, as is experience in quality assurance and field monitoring.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UNFPA and with international partners. Knowledge of the Khmer language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the Cambodian context.

Additional Notes:
The contract period for this position is from June to December 2026, with an estimated total of 80 working days. The consultant will primarily work remotely, with the possibility of one round trip to Cambodia for in-country workshops, contingent on funding availability. Payment will be made in installments based on the satisfactory completion of deliverables, and the consultant is expected to be available during reasonable working hours that overlap with the Phnom Penh time zone (UTC+7). UNFPA will cover travel costs and per diem allowances for the in-country work. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.