Project Coordinator Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and is responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information. Established to support the global statistical community, UNSD aims to enhance the quality and availability of statistical data for informed decision-making. The organization operates in multiple countries, collaborating with national statistical offices and international organizations to improve statistical systems and promote the use of statistics in policy-making. UNSD plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation in statistical matters and ensuring that data is accessible and reliable for all member states.

Job Overview:
The Project coordinator-consultant" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordinator Consultant will be engaged in a significant role within the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys (ISWGHS) Task Force on Sustainable Demographic and Health Statistics through Surveys. This position is pivotal in coordinating national level activities and managing the development of tools that will aid in the collection and analysis of demographic and health data. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Statistics Division and will be responsible for ensuring that the national level exercise is executed effectively across participating countries. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, provide guidance on the implementation of national exercise tools, and support country teams throughout the process. The consultant will also be responsible for documenting meetings, tracking project milestones, and preparing presentations for the Task Force. This position is expected to last for a duration of two months, during which the consultant will play a key role in shaping the future of demographic and health data systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: engaging with participating countries to confirm their involvement, preparing invitation letters, and identifying national focal points. The consultant will conduct orientation webinars and virtual meetings to brief national stakeholders and regional partners on the purpose, tools, and processes of the exercise. Additionally, the consultant will provide guidance to national focal points on implementing national exercise tools, including the questionnaire template and Completion Guidance Note. Continuous support will be provided to country teams throughout the national implementation phase. The consultant will document relevant topics and agreements from meetings with stakeholders, carry out regular follow-ups with country teams to ensure milestones are met, and keep track of project workplans, country templates, and consultation records. Furthermore, the consultant will prepare a draft plan for managing information collected from the national level exercise, support the preparation of presentations and briefings for the Task Force, and assist with consultations with development partners and countries. The consultant may also support other work within the Statistics Division as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in statistical systems, demographic and health data, or intergovernmental coordination. Demonstrated experience working closely with national statistical systems in low- or middle-income countries is essential, particularly with direct engagement with National Statistical Offices (NSOs) on household surveys or demographic and health data systems. The ability to build trusted bilateral working relationships with senior NSO officials across diverse national contexts is crucial. Candidates must also demonstrate strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and concise documents in a UN institutional style, including Terms of Reference (ToRs), guidance notes, synthesis reports, and decision briefs. Prior experience coordinating multi-country exercises or programs within a UN or intergovernmental context is desired, as is the ability to manage a complex multi-country program with multiple workstreams and stakeholders. Familiarity with the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program and the ISWGHS mandate and work program is also desired.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in statistics, demography, social sciences, international development, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and coordinate the various aspects of the project.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant fields such as statistical systems, demographic and health data, or intergovernmental coordination. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within or closely with national statistical systems, particularly in low- or middle-income countries. Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management is critical, as the consultant will need to build and maintain trusted relationships with senior officials in NSOs. Additionally, prior experience in coordinating multi-country exercises or programs within a UN or intergovernmental context is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, drafting documents, and conducting presentations. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with participating countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of two months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.