UN DESA Consultant - Capacity Development Data for Now Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is a part of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UNSD was established to promote the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information to support the work of the United Nations and its member states. The organization aims to enhance the capacity of national statistical systems and improve the quality of data available for policy-making and decision-making processes. UNSD operates globally, working with countries across various continents including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and collaborates with numerous international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission. The UNSD is committed to supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by providing reliable and timely data to inform policy decisions.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is focused on supporting the Data for Now initiative, which is co-led by UNSD, the World Bank, GPSDD, UNDP, and SDSN. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of countries to deliver timely and disaggregated data necessary for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will engage with national statistical offices and other stakeholders to implement agreed activities, provide technical support, and develop communication materials. The role requires collaboration with various partners to promote the initiative's work and support training programs. The consultant will also contribute to increasing the availability of SDG indicators and develop practical guides and resources for countries. The position is home-based, with regular communication and meetings with project stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include preparing a detailed plan of activities with key outputs and timelines, engaging with project countries to support the implementation of prioritized activities, and contributing to the delivery of workshops and training sessions. The consultant will coordinate with the UNSD project team and other stakeholders, engage with partners at regional and global levels, and contribute to methodological work in thematic areas related to SDG implementation. Responsibilities also include producing communication materials, contributing to donor reporting, and fulfilling other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The consultant will be expected to maintain effective communication with national statistical offices and other key stakeholders, ensuring that the project progresses as planned and that outputs are delivered on time.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, development studies, international relations, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with twelve years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, including statistics or economics, is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of experience working with national statistical offices, providing capacity development, guidance, and training. Solid knowledge of statistical production, particularly in the use of non-traditional data sources, metadata development, and quality management is essential. Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement in data and statistics is also required, along with knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and national efforts to implement them being 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, or public administration. In lieu of an advanced degree, a Bachelor’s degree combined with twelve years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of data management and statistical analysis necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, particularly in statistics or economics. Candidates must have at least five years of experience specifically working with national statistical offices, focusing on capacity development, guidance, and training. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the consultant can effectively engage with stakeholders and contribute to the successful implementation of the Data for Now initiative.

Languages:
Full command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage in international contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with an expected duration from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2026, with the possibility of extension. The payment for the consultancy will be calculated according to the UN salary scales, and payment will be made upon satisfactory submission of deliverables as per agreed schedules. The United Nations will cover travel expenses when required for meetings, workshops, and events in selected project countries, with all travel arranged in accordance with the organization's regulations. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.