Census Coordinator Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) of Malawi is a government agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical data. The NSO plays a crucial role in national planning and development by providing reliable data that informs policy decisions and resource allocation. The organization is preparing for the 2028 Population and Housing Census (PHC), which is a significant undertaking aimed at gathering comprehensive demographic data to support evidence-based planning and monitoring of national development goals, including Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is collaborating with the NSO to enhance census preparedness and implementation, ensuring that the census is conducted efficiently and effectively across various sectors and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Census coordinator-consultant" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordinator Consultant will be pivotal in providing strategic, operational, and technical support for the successful implementation of the 2028 Population and Housing Census in Malawi. This role involves overseeing the entire census process, ensuring that all activities are coordinated effectively among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. The consultant will be responsible for facilitating the development of work plans, coordinating technical streams related to the census, and ensuring that the project adheres to timelines and quality standards. The overarching goal is to build the capacity of the NSO to deliver a high-quality census and to promote the use of census data for informed decision-making in development planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the smooth operation of the census project, which includes day-to-day oversight and coordination of activities. Key responsibilities include: coordinating with the NSO project team to ensure effective resource utilization; facilitating the preparation and implementation of annual and quarterly work plans; coordinating all activities related to the 2028 PHC, including drafting census strategies; supporting technical streams such as cartography, digital census systems, and field operations; developing relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations; assisting the Census Steering Committee in their oversight functions; supporting resource mobilization efforts; coordinating with development partners and donors; developing operational procedures to promote timely implementation; and ensuring that cross-cutting issues like gender are integrated into project planning and reporting. The consultant will also monitor implementation progress, identify potential barriers, and develop solutions to ensure successful census delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as demography, population studies, development studies, or economics. A minimum of two years of project management experience in international development or population and development is required. Familiarity with the population and housing census process in Malawi is essential, and knowledge of UNFPA procedures is advantageous. Experience in coordinating large-scale statistical operations or multi-stakeholder development programs will be considered a plus. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and motivational skills, as well as the ability to manage complex operational processes and stakeholder relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree (MA/MSc) in Social Sciences or a related discipline. This educational background should provide candidates with a solid understanding of demographic and population studies, as well as the analytical skills necessary for effective project management and implementation in the context of national statistical exercises.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in the areas of international development and population studies. Candidates should have a proven track record of coordinating complex projects, particularly those related to census activities or large-scale statistical operations. Familiarity with the specific context of Malawi's population and housing census processes will be a significant advantage.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the national language of Malawi is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the census implementation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be compensated according to the UNFPA consultancy payment guidelines. The work environment at UNFPA emphasizes gender equality, diversity, and integrity, promoting a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The organization is committed to equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and compensation, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to its workforce. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.