International Consultant to support the implementation of the Time Use Survey in Turkmenistan

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to improve the lives of women and girls, promote gender equality, and support sustainable development through evidence-based policies and programs. UNFPA collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to strengthen national statistical systems and enhance data collection methodologies, particularly in the context of gender-responsive policymaking and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to support the implementation of the Time Use Survey (TUS) in Turkmenistan, which is a vital statistical tool for understanding how individuals allocate their time across various activities. The TUS will provide comprehensive data that is essential for evidence-based policymaking, particularly in the areas of gender equality, labor market analysis, and social policy planning. The consultant will provide high-level technical expertise and methodological guidance throughout the survey's preparation, implementation, analysis, and reporting phases. This role is crucial for ensuring that the survey methodology aligns with international standards while being adapted to the national context, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the data collected. The consultant will work closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and TurkmenStat to ensure that the survey meets the needs of various stakeholders and contributes to national development priorities and international commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key phases of work:

• Methodology Adaptation: Assess the technical and operational capacities of TurkmenStat, provide guidance on survey design, and develop necessary instruments such as questionnaires and coding manuals.
• Sampling Design and Survey Planning: Offer recommendations on sampling design, including sample size determination and urban/rural representation, and develop a detailed implementation action plan.
• Training and Capacity Building: Create training materials and conduct training sessions for interviewers and coders, ensuring methodological and ethical considerations are addressed.
• Pilot Survey and Methodological Alignment: Support the organization and implementation of a pilot survey, assess results, and revise survey instruments as needed.
• Field Work Advisory Support and Quality Assurance: Provide technical support during fieldwork, assist in monitoring data collection processes, and develop tabulation plans for data analysis. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering comprehensive methodological packages, sampling designs, training tools, and final reports based on the survey findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Demography, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in designing and implementing large-scale household surveys, social research, statistical analysis, and evidence-based policy development is required. Proven technical expertise in household survey methodologies, particularly Time Use Surveys, is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of international standards for time use statistics and have experience with statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, or R. Additionally, experience in training national statistical staff and working with government institutions or UN agencies is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Demography, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Social Sciences, or Public Policy is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of statistical methodologies and the socio-economic factors influencing time use data collection and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the design and implementation of large-scale household surveys and social research. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Time Use Surveys or similar nationally representative surveys. Experience working in Central Asia or similar cultural contexts is considered an asset, as is experience with national statistical offices or international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian is highly desirable, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 23 working days, from July 7th, 2026, to May 31st, 202

• The work will primarily be conducted online, but there may be opportunities for on-site missions to Ashgabat, contingent upon project requirements and mutual agreement. The consultancy fee will be based on the P-4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, with payments made in two installments upon completion of specified deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups.