International Consultant to Develop Terms of Reference and Technical Requirements for a Digital Statistical Population Registry
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to promote the right of every individual to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to support countries in achieving their population and development goals. 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. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and collaborates with various governments and organizations to implement its programs and initiatives.
Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to assist the Government of Turkmenistan in advancing its digital transformation agenda by developing a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) and associated technical requirements for a Digital Statistical Population Registry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality, timeliness, and interoperability of population and civil registration data, which is essential for evidence-based policymaking and demographic analysis. The consultant will provide specialized technical advice and support to ensure that the TOR is technically sound, scalable, and implementation-oriented. The consultant will work closely with an Interagency Technical Working Group (TWG) and national counterparts to assess existing data systems, workflows, and interoperability gaps, ultimately leading to the development of a robust digital registry that facilitates secure and timely data exchange among various government institutions. The consultant's work will involve multiple phases, including stakeholder consultations, assessments of current data workflows, and the drafting of the TOR and technical requirements, ensuring that the future registry meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities throughout the consultancy, divided into five phases. Phase 1 involves conducting an inception meeting with UNFPA and the TWG to confirm objectives, scope, methodology, and work plan. The consultant will review existing documentation related to civil registration and vital statistics and prepare an Inception Note outlining the proposed structure of the TOR. Phase 2 focuses on assessing current data workflows and interoperability gaps, documenting key business processes, identifying datasets and data custodians, and evaluating existing data exchange arrangements. Phase 3 entails developing a comprehensive Draft TOR based on the assessment findings, defining objectives, components, and requirements for the Digital Statistical Population Registry. Phase 4 includes conducting technical consultations and capacity-building sessions with the TWG to review the Draft TOR and facilitate discussions on technical requirements. Finally, Phase 5 involves validating and refining the TOR through structured consultations, incorporating feedback, and finalizing the TOR and associated technical requirements for procurement and development of the registry. Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will provide regular progress updates and coordinate closely with UNFPA and national counterparts.
Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software/Systems Engineering, Digital Transformation, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in digital information systems, information systems architecture, digital transformation, interoperability, or e-government is required. The consultant should have demonstrated experience in designing or developing digital registries or large-scale information systems, particularly for government institutions or public-sector organizations. Experience in information systems interoperability, data integration, and electronic data exchange is essential, along with a proven track record of developing Terms of Reference and technical specifications for digital information systems. Familiarity with population or statistical registers, CRVS systems, or administrative data systems used for official statistics is highly desirable, as is prior experience working with UN agencies or international development partners.
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software/Systems Engineering, or Digital Transformation. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital systems and their implementation in a governmental context.
Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least 10 years of professional experience in areas related to digital information systems, including but not limited to information systems architecture, digital transformation, and interoperability. Experience in the design and development of digital registries or large-scale information systems, particularly within government or public-sector organizations, is essential. The consultant should also have a strong background in information systems interoperability and electronic data exchange, as well as experience in developing technical specifications and Terms of Reference for digital solutions.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the consultant will be expected to communicate effectively with UNFPA and national counterparts. Proficiency in Russian is highly desirable, given the context of the consultancy and the potential need to engage with local stakeholders who may prefer communication in Russian.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 30 working days, starting from October 15th, 2026, and concluding on March 1st, 202
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to promote the right of every individual to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to support countries in achieving their population and development goals. 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. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and collaborates with various governments and organizations to implement its programs and initiatives.
Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to assist the Government of Turkmenistan in advancing its digital transformation agenda by developing a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) and associated technical requirements for a Digital Statistical Population Registry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality, timeliness, and interoperability of population and civil registration data, which is essential for evidence-based policymaking and demographic analysis. The consultant will provide specialized technical advice and support to ensure that the TOR is technically sound, scalable, and implementation-oriented. The consultant will work closely with an Interagency Technical Working Group (TWG) and national counterparts to assess existing data systems, workflows, and interoperability gaps, ultimately leading to the development of a robust digital registry that facilitates secure and timely data exchange among various government institutions. The consultant's work will involve multiple phases, including stakeholder consultations, assessments of current data workflows, and the drafting of the TOR and technical requirements, ensuring that the future registry meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities throughout the consultancy, divided into five phases. Phase 1 involves conducting an inception meeting with UNFPA and the TWG to confirm objectives, scope, methodology, and work plan. The consultant will review existing documentation related to civil registration and vital statistics and prepare an Inception Note outlining the proposed structure of the TOR. Phase 2 focuses on assessing current data workflows and interoperability gaps, documenting key business processes, identifying datasets and data custodians, and evaluating existing data exchange arrangements. Phase 3 entails developing a comprehensive Draft TOR based on the assessment findings, defining objectives, components, and requirements for the Digital Statistical Population Registry. Phase 4 includes conducting technical consultations and capacity-building sessions with the TWG to review the Draft TOR and facilitate discussions on technical requirements. Finally, Phase 5 involves validating and refining the TOR through structured consultations, incorporating feedback, and finalizing the TOR and associated technical requirements for procurement and development of the registry. Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will provide regular progress updates and coordinate closely with UNFPA and national counterparts.
Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software/Systems Engineering, Digital Transformation, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in digital information systems, information systems architecture, digital transformation, interoperability, or e-government is required. The consultant should have demonstrated experience in designing or developing digital registries or large-scale information systems, particularly for government institutions or public-sector organizations. Experience in information systems interoperability, data integration, and electronic data exchange is essential, along with a proven track record of developing Terms of Reference and technical specifications for digital information systems. Familiarity with population or statistical registers, CRVS systems, or administrative data systems used for official statistics is highly desirable, as is prior experience working with UN agencies or international development partners.
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software/Systems Engineering, or Digital Transformation. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital systems and their implementation in a governmental context.
Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least 10 years of professional experience in areas related to digital information systems, including but not limited to information systems architecture, digital transformation, and interoperability. Experience in the design and development of digital registries or large-scale information systems, particularly within government or public-sector organizations, is essential. The consultant should also have a strong background in information systems interoperability and electronic data exchange, as well as experience in developing technical specifications and Terms of Reference for digital solutions.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the consultant will be expected to communicate effectively with UNFPA and national counterparts. Proficiency in Russian is highly desirable, given the context of the consultancy and the potential need to engage with local stakeholders who may prefer communication in Russian.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 30 working days, starting from October 15th, 2026, and concluding on March 1st, 202
- The work will primarily be conducted online, although there may be opportunities for on-site missions to Ashgabat, contingent upon travel permissions and mutual agreement between UNFPA and the Government of Turkmenistan. The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P-5 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, effective January 1, 2026, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. The consultant will be required to adhere to ethical principles and standards throughout the consultancy, ensuring stakeholder ownership and engagement in the development of the consultancy outcomes.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.