International Consultant on SDG 5 Census and Gender Data

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 in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and calls for a collective effort to build forward better in the face of ongoing challenges.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening the national statistical systems in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by enhancing the measurement and reporting of SDG 5-related indicators on Gender Equality. This position involves conducting a comprehensive review of existing household surveys and census data to generate additional gender data on key priority issues of gender equality in Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, and Moldova. The consultant will work closely with national statistical offices to improve their capacity to produce high-quality gender-disaggregated data, which is essential for accurate monitoring and reporting of SDG 5 indicators. The consultant will also be responsible for developing recommendations for mainstreaming gender into data collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with global and regional best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Mapping existing household surveys (such as LFS, LSMS, DHS, MICS, GGS) and census data to identify gaps in data related to SDG 5 indicators and other gender equality issues.
• Assessing the potential for generating additional gender data and new levels of data disaggregation.
• Developing recommendations for integrating gender considerations into data collection and analysis for selected household surveys and population censuses, in accordance with global and regional standards.
• Creating a set of key indicators and analytical tables to be produced using selected data sources, aiming to generate new data for at least 10 core indicators per source.
• Preparing training materials and co-facilitating a three-day workshop focused on mainstreaming gender into census analysis.
• Ensuring that all deliverables are submitted electronically in English and are professionally edited and proofread.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, population studies, social studies, international relations, or related fields. Additionally, applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in conducting desk reviews and analytical work in gender data and research, results-based monitoring, or related fields within international organizations or development agencies. Proven experience in developing toolkits and recommendations related to gender and social norms, gender equality, and women empowerment is essential. Familiarity with the EECA region and extensive knowledge of UNFPA and UN Women mandates are highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent drafting and report writing skills, analytical abilities, and proficiency in computer skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as gender studies, population studies, social studies, or international relations is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of gender data and its implications for policy and practice.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conducting analytical work and desk reviews in the area of gender data and research. Candidates should have a strong background in results-based monitoring and experience working with international organizations or development agencies. Prior experience in the EECA region is an advantage, as is familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities related to gender equality in these contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Russian language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to take place between June 2025 and October 2025, with a total of up to 30 working days. The consultant will provide home-based or remote technical support and will communicate with UNFPA EECARO. All deliverables must be submitted electronically, and the consultant will be monitored by the Regional Programme Specialist in Population and Development. Travel to the Regional Office in Istanbul and selected country offices may be required, with all travel-related expenses covered separately from the consultancy fee, in accordance with UNFPA Travel Rules. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.