National Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is part of the United Nations system, specifically the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), which plays a crucial role in supporting countries to enhance their statistical capacities and improve data collection and dissemination processes. The UNSD collaborates with various partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and other multilateral agencies, to implement initiatives like Data For Now, aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization focuses on building partnerships with civil society, academia, and the private sector to ensure that data is effectively utilized for policy-making and development purposes. The UNSD was established to provide a platform for international cooperation in statistical matters and has been operational for several decades, employing a diverse team of experts across various countries to support its mission.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant position is primarily focused on enhancing the statistical capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Kyrgyz Republic. The consultant will be responsible for preparing a draft Handbook on Capacity Building for Civil Society on the production and use of data, which is essential for improving the inclusivity of the national data ecosystem and strengthening SDG reporting. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNSD, the Collaborative on Citizen Data, and the National Statistical Committee (NSC) of the Kyrgyz Republic. The role involves not only the development of the Handbook but also the organization of meetings with key partners to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the materials developed are relevant and accessible, ultimately aiming to empower CSOs to contribute effectively to national planning and SDG monitoring. The expected outputs include a draft workplan, curated documents, and a final Handbook that outlines the next steps for capacity building in the field of statistics and monitoring of local SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing the Handbook for Kyrgyzstan by selecting and systematizing existing documents, country case studies, and publications to create a structured and easily accessible format.
• Compiling links to existing resources on data literacy and guidance on basic statistics production and data quality, as well as SDG monitoring and indicator metadata.
• Developing a draft Handbook that aligns with the overall goals of cooperation and addresses the long-term needs of civil society capacity building.
• Organizing two meetings with key partners and members, including preparing concept notes/agendas, identifying and inviting speakers, advocating for the events, and managing recordings/minutes.
• Developing next steps to enhance the capacity of CSOs in statistics and monitoring of local SDGs.
• Supporting activities related to citizen-generated data and assisting Data for Now countries in implementing relevant initiatives.
• Initiating and continuing discussions with selected countries regarding citizen data work, including liaising with national statistical offices and civil society organizations.
• Planning the implementation of work and coordinating with relevant experts and partners to ensure successful outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• Nationality of Kyrgyz Republic or valid work authorization to work in Kyrgyz Republic.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, development studies, international relations, public administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in social sciences, including statistics or economics, policies, or impact evaluation.
• Solid experience with traditional and non-traditional data sources and quality management.
• Proven experience working with national statistical offices and liaising with regional and international partners.
• Experience in drafting practical guidance documents.
• Desirable experience in project or programme management, as well as working with citizen data.
• Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and national efforts to implement them is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as statistics, economics, development studies, international relations, public administration, or a related discipline. In cases where a candidate holds a bachelor’s degree, they must have at least two additional years of relevant experience to be considered equivalent to the advanced degree requirement.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of social sciences, which includes statistics or economics, policies, or impact evaluation. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of data management and quality assurance processes, as well as familiarity with the workings of national statistical offices and collaboration with various stakeholders in the field of data collection and analysis.

Languages:
Full command of spoken and written English is required, along with proficiency in either Kirghiz or Russian. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with regular phone and web conference meetings with UNSD, project countries, and other partners. The expected duration of the consultancy is from 1 August to 30 November 2026, with a possibility of extension. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.