Data Programme Specialist

Job Description

The Data Programme Specialist is part of the Population Dynamics, Data, and Policy unit at the UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) and reports to the Unit Coordinator. This role is aligned with the Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA) project. The Specialist ensures that national census operations, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), and socio-demographic surveys are conducted using standardized, high-quality methodologies that meet international standards and regional development goals. The Specialist takes an integrated approach to strengthen systems while adhering to the core values and strategic objectives of WCARO and UNFPA.

The primary purpose of the Data Programme Specialist (P4) position is to coordinate the technical implementation of regional statistical harmonization and improvement projects across West and Central Africa. This role involves producing high-quality population data by developing harmonized methodological guides and providing specialized technical assistance to National Statistical Offices for censuses and CRVS systems. Additionally, the Specialist promotes data utilization to inform evidence-based policy dialogue and ensures rigorous monitoring and evaluation to maintain project quality, track key performance indicators, and comply with donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical support
• Capacity development
• Evidence and knowledge development and dissemination
• Technical representation

Responsibilities

• Technical Coordination & Harmonization
  • Methodological Development: Lead the creation and adaptation of practical guides for census management, digital cartography, data cleaning, and geospatial population modeling.
  • Standardization: Align regional statistical production with the Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA) to ensure data comparability across the CEMAC and ECOWAS zones.
  • Innovation: Oversee the integration of new technologies (GIS, satellite imagery, and mobile data collection) into traditional census and CRVS frameworks.
• Capacity Strengthening & Country Support
  • Support census, CRVS and surveys activities, including field enumeration, post-enumeration surveys, and annual vital statistics generation, collaborating with technical consultants and Chief Technical Advisors.
  • Organize technical meetings and learning events, including eLearning sessions and in-person seminars, on census and survey design, implementation, and data use for development planning.
  • Coordinate GIS capacity strengthening for UNFPA census and survey initiatives in conjunction with HQ and Country Offices.
  • Maintain the global database of consultants for technical assistance to National Statistical Offices and provide editorial support for census and survey publications.
• Data Utilization & Policy Advocacy
  • Evidence Generation: Support the Regional Initiative on the Centrality of Population (RICoP) by analyzing the interconnections between population dynamics, megatrends, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Organize high-level policy dialogues and webinars to foster evidence-based planning and resource allocation among decision-makers.
  • Digital Dissemination: Oversee the development and regular updating of national Population Data Portals and the UNFPA Census Tracker to ensure access to key demographic indicators, while also producing policy briefs and monographs.
  • Research Monitoring: Stay updated on advancements in census, survey, and geospatial research, providing insights on their relevance to UNFPA programming and identifying statistical gaps.
  • Support Initiatives: Monitor Strategic Plan indicators and actively contribute to ICPD-related initiatives, events, and knowledge products.
• Project Management & Reporting
  • Monitor Project Performance: Act as the primary focal point for project monitoring and evaluation, ensuring tracking of performance indicators and adherence to funding limits.
  • Enhance Data Systems: Collaborate with key stakeholders to improve data systems and provide technical assistance to governments.
  • Support Resource Mobilization: Assist WCARO leadership in resource mobilization efforts and serve as a liaison for inter-agency groups focused on census, survey, and geospatial data.
  • Facilitate Technical Collaboration: Liaise with UN agencies, academia, and research institutions to address technical issues related to census, surveys, and geospatial data.

Qualifications and Experience

• An Advanced Degree in quantitative social sciences, e.g. demography, statistics, population studies, economy, sociology, geography, data sciences or related field. PhD desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data systems, including at least 4 years at the international level with increasing technical and managerial responsibilities.
• Experience in managing or coordinating global programs or initiatives with deliverables across multiple countries and regions.
• Technical expertise in utilizing census and survey data for developmental purposes; familiarity with GIS and geospatial analysis of population data is advantageous.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English, with additional expertise in related areas of population and development research being desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French is desirable to facilitate effective communication with coordination groups and local organizations in both English-speaking and French-speaking countries within the West and Central Africa region.