Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census)
Location: Noumea
Country: New Caledonia (France)
Deadline Date: 12 January 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, established in 194

• It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 country and territory members. SPC's mission is to support sustainable development for the benefit of Pacific people, operating across more than 25 sectors. The organization is recognized for its expertise and innovation in various fields, including fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Job Overview:
The Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census) plays a crucial role in supporting Pacific Island Countries and Territories in enhancing their statistical collection practices. This position focuses on improving survey methodology, data processing, and estimation techniques. The adviser will lead the development and enhancement of statistical processes related to surveys and censuses, ensuring that these processes are demonstrably improving over time. The role involves making significant contributions to survey and census management, sampling, questionnaire design, and data processing. The adviser will also be responsible for documenting and disseminating improved methods through various publications and guidance notes, ensuring that these methods are well-researched, evidence-based, and quality assured. Additionally, the adviser will provide technical assistance and training to SPC staff, national statistics offices, and relevant ministries, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and contributing to the capacity building of member countries in delivering effective surveys and censuses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and improvement of statistical processes, methods, and systems for surveys and censuses, ensuring continuous enhancement over time.
• Contribute tangibly to improvements in survey/census management, sampling, questionnaire design, data processing, and statistical disclosure control.
• Ensure that SPC is recognized as a leader in promoting good practices in survey and census methods across the Pacific region.
• Document and disseminate improved statistical methods through commissioned works, guidance notes, and publications that are evidence-based and quality assured.
• Support the timely delivery of surveys and censuses to a high standard, ensuring that data is analysis-ready.
• Train SPC staff, national statistics offices, and relevant line ministry staff in survey and census production techniques.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including member countries, donors, implementation partners, and universities.
• Contribute to strengthening the capacity of countries and territories in statistical methods, statistical skills, and software skills (e.g., Stata, R, CSPro).

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in statistics, data science, or a related academic discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in official statistics or related fields.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas: census and complex survey management, sampling, questionnaire design, and data processing.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering training for professionals in the field of statistics.
• A solid understanding of the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly small island states, in the collection, production, and use of official statistics.
• Familiarity with computer-assisted personal interviewing systems and processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in statistics, data science, or another relevant academic discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the statistical processes and methodologies required for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in official statistics or related areas. This extensive experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively lead and improve statistical processes, methods, and systems for surveys and censuses. The candidate should have a proven track record of managing complex surveys and censuses, as well as experience in training professionals in statistical methodologies.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is excellent oral and written English. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as SPC's working languages include both English and French. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for effective collaboration and dissemination of statistical information.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is budgeted until 31 December 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census) is classified as a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale. For positions based in Noumea, the starting salary range is SDR 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). For positions based in Suva, the starting salary range is SDR 3,091-3,864 per month, converting to approximately FJD 9,211-11,513 (USD 4,111-5,138; EUR 3,831-4,789). SPC salaries are not subject to income tax in New Caledonia. International staff members receive various benefits, including a housing allowance, establishment and repatriation grants, removal expenses, airfares, health and life insurance, and education allowances for eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave and have access to SPC’s Provident Fund, which includes contributions from both the employee and SPC. SPC is committed to fair and transparent recruitment processes, ensuring equal opportunity and representation from Pacific Island professionals.