UNDP Jobs - 59725- Individual Services of a Statistics Expert on Data

Individual Services of a Statistics Expert on Data Management & Index Building

Location :

Beirut, LEBANON

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Two and a Half Months upon contract signature

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Two and a Half Months upon contract signature

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP/RBAS and MBRF have partnered since 2007 in the development of a series of Arab Knowledge Reports (AKR) which independently analyzed and monitored trends and issues affecting knowledge in the Arab region. Along the same lines and vision, the Arab Knowledge Index which builds on the three Arab Knowledge Reports (2009, 2010/2011, and 2014), is planned to be produced and launched by the end of the year 2015. The Index will be built using a multi-disciplinary and participatory methodology, and will be launched with the production of a publication that includes an assessment (detailed country profiles), as well as a thorough presentation of the methodology that was followed.

The Arab Knowledge Index will provide an evaluation of Knowledge in the Arab region, using country-based assessment. To this end the Index will be built following seven main thematic areas that were identified as the focal fields for understanding the situation of knowledge, based on the findings of the previous Arab Knowledge Reports. These areas are: Pre-University Education and Literacy, Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training, Research and Innovation and Development, Economy, Knowledge for Development, and Information and Communication Technology.

Two main features are intended in the process, the first being a focus on multidisciplinary which stems from the nature of the topic at hand. The second feature is the policy angle which requires a concrete approach to the analysis of challenges of opportunities within the research framework.

Along these lines, the project is looking to hire a statistics expert who can lead the quantitative side of building while working closely with the Core Team members of the index.

Duties and Responsibilities

While stressing the collective responsibility of the Core Team for the production of the Index, the corresponding Arab countries’ assessment, as well as the production of the final publication, however, the statistics expert will be responsible for the statistical building of the Arab Knowledge Index while working closely with the Core Team members responsible for each of the seven areas of focus.

The Expert is also expected to ensure the quality of the data collected by the Technical Team and the Core Team members before their inclusion in the index.

Along with that, and working under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, and reporting to the Socio Economic Development Specialist, the expert on Higher Education shall be responsible of:

Presenting a methodology for building the index based on the indicators suggested by the Core Team members;
Providing feedback and comments when needed to the Core Team members on their selection of indicators and the suggested weights for each component;
Building the Index based on the list of indicators agreed on with the Core Team and the data collected by the Technical Team;
Producing the statistical methodology section and relevant notes to be included in the final publication (in Arabic) of the Arab Knowledge Index;
Supporting the production of annexes by the Technical Team.

The Index Production and Publication Drafting process shall involve:

Participation in 2 to 3 of the Core Team’s meetings at which substantive matters will be discussed;
Participating, if required, in consultative meetings with experts and thematic workshops;
Coordination of data sources and data with the Technical Team in order to ensure consistency;
Delivery of drafts by the timeline and deadlines agreed upon;
Participating in relevant review meetings and events (Advisory Board meeting or Readers Group meeting);
Assisting in the identification of reviewers or Advisory Board members when needed;
Reviewing and proofreading the printer ready version of the final publication.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

Excellent drafting skills with a sound research record (both in Arabic and in English languages);
Strong quantitative research skills;
Strong analytical and synthesis skills;
Ability to work independently and achieve quality results with limited supervision and within tight schedules.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Ph.D. Degree in Statistics.

Experience:

At least 10 years of experience in research, in designing and implementing statistical models;
Extensive experience and proven track record in; 1) Time Series Analysis; 2) Regression Analysis; 3) Composite Index Building;
Extensive experience on the Arab region and its knowledge-related challenges and priorities.

Language:

Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

Application

Kindly refer to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and all related Annexes by visiting the below link:

http://www.lb.undp.org/content/lebanon/en/home/operations/procurement/

Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.