Population Data Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, supporting reproductive health care for women and youth, ensuring safe childbirth, and preventing gender-based violence. The organization is committed to achieving transformative results outlined in its strategic plan for 2022-2025, which includes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and harmful practices. UNFPA's mission is driven by the need for reliable data and effective strategies to support humanitarian responses and development planning.

Job Overview:
The Population Data Officer position is a UN Volunteer assignment based in Nairobi, Kenya, under the UNFPA Data and Analytics Branch. The role is residential for an initial period of 9 months, focusing on the production of Common Operational Datasets on Population Statistics (COD-PS) to support humanitarian response and preparedness globally. The officer will work closely with the Program Specialist - COD-PS and CRVS, contributing to the drafting of operational technical guidance and ensuring the quality and dissemination of population data. This position requires a strong understanding of data analysis, statistical programming, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance data-driven decision-making in humanitarian contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Population Data Officer will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Provide subnational population estimates and supporting documentation for selected countries, utilizing UNFPA guidance on preferred data sources. This includes data integration using the R statistical program and ensuring outputs meet the standard COD-PS format.
• Update and maintain supporting documentation, detailing methods used and comparisons with other population estimates, via GitHub and UNFPA Google Drive.
• Assist UNFPA staff in drafting and revising technical guidance on COD-PS production, quality assurance, and dissemination.
• Engage in community activities to promote volunteerism and integrate UN Volunteers' program mandates into daily work.
• Ensure timely data cleaning and integration for COD-PS updates, generate and refine datasets, and coordinate with OCHA and UNFPA offices.
• Upload and transmit approved COD-PS updates to relevant data portals, contributing to enhanced technical guidance resources for field staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism and integrity, with a strong understanding of UNFPA operations and the ability to liaise with various stakeholders. They should possess excellent interpersonal skills, be adaptable to diverse environments, and have a commitment to continuous learning. The role requires effective organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in statistics, demography, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in data analysis or population studies may be advantageous. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of statistical software and data management tools, particularly R, as well as familiarity with data visualization techniques.

Experience:
The position requires prior experience in data analysis, statistical programming, or a related field. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with population data, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. Experience in drafting technical documents and providing guidance on data-related issues is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN processes and frameworks will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the organization's global outreach.

Additional Notes:
This UN Volunteer assignment is residential, with the incumbent responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The contract duration is for 9 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance. Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic needs, calculated using a Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) based on the cost of living in Kenya. Additional benefits include life and health insurance, travel allowances for official duties, and a resettlement allowance upon satisfactory completion of the assignment. UN Volunteers are encouraged to participate in training and development opportunities provided by UNFPA.