International Senior Census Planning Advisor for the 2029 Cambodia Population Census

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every person has access to reproductive health services and that their rights are respected. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA's mission is driven by a commitment to human rights and gender equality, and it seeks to empower individuals and communities through data-driven decision-making and strategic partnerships.

Job Overview:
The International Senior Census Planning Advisor will provide high-level technical support to the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and UNFPA Cambodia in planning for the 2029 Population Census. This role involves assessing the feasibility of conducting a modern census, identifying critical capacity and investment needs, and reviewing current data sources to optimize the census's role in the national data ecosystem. The consultant will develop options for the Government of Cambodia to consider, ensuring alignment with UN Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 4 (2030 Round). The advisor will support the development of a comprehensive, costed implementation roadmap once an option is approved by the government. This work is crucial for providing the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) with a solid foundation for national budget allocation and partner engagement towards the census, which will define the data foundation for a decade of development and align with national strategies and sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform several core tasks, including:

• Reviewing Legal and Governance Frameworks: Examine the Cambodian legal and policy environment and committee arrangements for the census to ensure smooth operational governance.
• Assessing Capacity and Readiness: Conduct a rapid review of the current skills of NIS staff and existing ICT infrastructure to determine the necessary human resources capacity and technical investments required for a modern census.
• Reviewing Administrative Data Systems: Analyze existing records such as Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and the Commune Database (CDB) to identify potential data sources that can support or simplify the census process.
• Evaluating Technology and Efficiency Options: Assess how modern innovations like Machine Learning, AI, and digital data collection can create efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Developing an Options Paper and Presentation: Provide the RGC with options for operationalizing the 2029 PHC, focusing on costs and readiness, and develop a presentation for government consideration.
• Planning Budgets and Roadmap: Once an option is chosen, develop a comprehensive framework and itemized budget across all census phases to support budget allocations from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).
• Managing Risks: Design a realistic risk analysis and mitigation plan for every step of the census implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Demography, Statistics, or related fields. They should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in designing, managing, and advising on population censuses, particularly in developing countries and the Asia-Pacific region. Knowledge of modern census technologies and methodologies is essential, along with the ability to work independently in a cross-cultural environment. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship-building skills with local counterparts and donor agencies, as well as a solid understanding of the UN Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses. Proven experience in knowledge transfer and delivering on-the-job training to national teams is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in Demography, Statistics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population data and the methodologies used in census planning and execution.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in designing, managing, and advising on population censuses. Candidates should have explicit experience in developing countries and the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong understanding of modern census technologies and approaches. Experience in knowledge transfer and training national teams is also essential, as well as the ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and presentations. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract is estimated for 50 working days spread between September and December 2026, following a phased approach: Phase 1 involves a readiness assessment over 7 working days, Phase 2 focuses on feasibility and cost planning over 30 working days, and Phase 3 includes finalization and mobilization over 13 working days. UNFPA does not pay a daily rate; compensation is based on deliverables. The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.