International Consultant for Census Thematic Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency dedicated to 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 workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population data, aiming to support countries in achieving their development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of data for development planning and policy-making.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Census Thematic Analysis involves working closely with national experts and statisticians from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to analyze data from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. This role is crucial for ensuring that the census results are effectively analyzed, published, and disseminated to inform policy and programs. The consultant will guide the national experts in developing methodologies for thematic analysis, conduct training sessions, and oversee the production of high-quality thematic analytical products. The consultant will also be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including government bodies and UNFPA team leaders, to ensure that the analysis meets user needs and expectations. The role requires a strong understanding of demographic data and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing overall guidance to national experts in developing the methodology for thematic analysis and contributing to data analysis.
• Advising on optimal team composition and thematic assignments to ensure necessary competencies are available for high-quality thematic products.
• Designing and conducting online training sessions on thematic analysis for analysis team members, covering key elements such as objectives, data processing, evaluation, and GIS integration.
• Developing a timeline for producing thematic analytical products in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Organizing virtual meetings with analysis teams to assess progress and address challenges.
• Supervising analysis teams to ensure adherence to standards and timelines.
• Organizing internal and external validation of thematic reports and products.
• Reviewing and providing quality assurance for draft and final thematic analytical reports.
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in Demography, Statistics, Economics, or other Social Sciences. They should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in demography, statistical research, and data analysis, particularly in census thematic analysis. Familiarity with demographic issues in Iraq and the region, as well as experience in large-scale household surveys, is essential. The consultant should also have experience in providing on-the-job training to national counterparts in census data analysis and report writing. Proficiency in statistical and demographic analysis software such as CSPRO, SPSS, STATA, and Python is required, along with excellent communication and report writing skills in English.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in Demography, Statistics, Economics, or other relevant Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of demographic data and the methodologies used in census analysis.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of proven professional experience in demography, statistical research, and data analysis. Experience in conducting census thematic analysis and large-scale household surveys is highly desirable. The candidate should also have extensive work experience in demographic techniques and familiarity with demographic issues specific to Iraq and the surrounding region. Additionally, experience in training national counterparts in data analysis and report writing is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of Arabic is considered a desirable asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with local stakeholders and facilitate the dissemination of analysis results.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a performance period of five months, totaling 30 working days. The payment schedule includes an initial installment of 50% upon completion of three draft thematic analysis reports, with the final installment disbursed upon submission of three validated thematic analysis reports. The consultant will work remotely from Erbil but may be required to travel for at least one trip to the country at the beginning of the assignment for training delivery. Weekly reports and progress updates will be required throughout the consultancy period. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.