UNDP Jobs - 38201- Individual Consultant - Statistics Expert

Individual Consultant - Statistics Expert - Open to Lesotho Nationals only

Location :

Maseru, LESOTHO

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Jul-2013

Application Deadline :

27-Jun-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

25 Working Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

25 Working Days

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

The HDR is a flagship publication of UNDP whose primary purpose is to foster human development globally. The concept of human development places people at the centre of the development processes; how their choices can be expanded so that they can live long, creative lives in freedom and dignity, being educated, having a decent standard of living and enjoying political and civil freedoms to participate in the lives of their communities, societies and global sustainable development.

The theme of the NHDR 2014 is ‘Leveraging the power of youth for human development’. It focuses on youth and issues pertinent to the youth in Lesotho in the context of sourcing their energy and resourcefulness for national processes targeted at human development. The NHDR 2014 aims at bringing forth diverse aspects of youth in Lesotho’s development with the aim to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations specifically in the areas of demography, rural development (including agriculture and food security), education and employment, health, participation in governance, ICT, environment and gender.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the functions of the statistics expert and the outcomes expected from the work of the expert:

Based on the most recent data available and in cooperation with the national statistics agency, calculate and analyse the national YDI, MPI, GII and YVI. Disaggregate data from the four key indicators across geographical areas and various population groups, including age, and gender and ethnic groups, so as to assist the core report team in analysing human development within the country or region. Analyse data related to alternative concepts in the measurement of human development such as the YDI, MPI, GII and YVI. Undertake data surveys on critical aspects of human development such as political freedom, empowerment, sustainability and human security. Discuss trends in the data over time. Assist the team in analysing data relating to the impact of policies in areas related to human development;
Prepare a statistical annex or box containing a note on the methodologies used in calculating the YDI, MPI, GII and YVI and other indicators and describing the challenges encountered, including clarifications on missing or inaccurate data. Assess the quality of previous estimates of these indicators. Where appropriate compare these estimates with the estimates developed by the report team;
Collect and review data relevant to the theme of the NHDR, with due consideration for data disaggregation on gender, age and inequality across population groups;
Prepare a methodology chapter setting forth a thorough analysis of these data. Compare the results of the analysis with relevant findings on the situation in other countries at various levels of socio-economic development;
Ensure the prudent, timely and rigorous use of quantitative and qualitative data, including consistency between the data reported and analysed in the report and the overall conclusions and recommendations of the report. This will require a careful review of all chapters submitted by colleagues and contributors, as well as the final draft of the report;
Supply a complete list of sources and bibliographic references on the data used in the report;
Participate in the launch of the report and follow-up events to respond to media inquiries and requests from the public for clarification and additional information on the human development indicators and other data and statistics used in the report.

Competencies

Core competencies:

A commitment to the principles and values of human development;
Sensitivity to cultural, religion, race, nationality, gender and age issues;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional competencies:

Strong writing and oral communication skills;
Strong skills in statistical analysis and the use of information technology, including in the identification of key issues and how they relate;
Ability to conceptualize problems and generate innovative, practical solutions;
Ability to plan for and produce quality results in meeting established goals;
Openness and an ability to share knowledge and experience, offer helpful advice and respond positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A recognized Masters degree, preferably a Ph.D., in Statistics.

Experience:

At least 10 years of relevant experience in academia or research, with a focus on the analysis of socio-economic data and composite indices and the assessment of welfare across population groups;
Experience with international development organizations would be considered an asset.

Language requirements:

Excellent command of English. Spoken and written knowledge of Sesotho would be an added advantage.

For additional information on this advertisement, please go to: http://www.undp.org.ls/jobs/default.php.