Consultant Demographic and Social Statistics

Result of Service

Technical paper on Social Statistics: Produce a technical paper on refugee and displacement statistics in the Arab region, (Paper to include references lists as per UN style, first page of each reference used to be submitted also). Chapter on refugees and displaced persons statistics in the publication "Arab Society”: Literature review, data and narrative analysis, (chapter to include references lists as per UN style, first page of each reference used to be submitted also).

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background In the Arab region, large gaps remain in demographic and social trend data that are essential for monitoring and evaluation of policies development planning. In addition, the existing data gaps raise questions about the need for improved national data collection procedures, enhanced data processing, analysis and estimation capacity, and better statistical dissemination systems. These needs have been identified by ESCWA Demographic and Social Statistics Section at the Statistics, Information Society, and Technology Cluster through questionnaires and numerous Expert Group Meetings (EGMs) with representatives of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) who have outlined the problems they are facing in producing reliable, and timely social and demographic data over time. In this vein, this project seeks to monitor data availability by reporting trends in a set of essential demographics and social indicators, which not only highlights the demographic and social reality of the region but also reveals the availability of data and how it has increased or deteriorated over time. Consequently, the Demographic and Social Statistics section in ESCWA is dedicated to enhancing the quality and availability of demographic and social statistics in the Arab region. This work supports informed decision-making and sustainable development efforts by providing reliable data on key social indicators. The primary objective is to support the Demographic and Social Statistics section in implementing its activities of the Work Plan for the year 2026. This will be translated in producing high-quality technical paper on social statistics, and drafting comprehensive chapter on refugees and displaced persons, for the publication "Arab Society: Demographic and Social Trends” in addition to contribute to support the work of Demographic and Social Statistics Section at the Statistics, Information Society, and Technology Cluster. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Technical paper on social statistics: o Produce a technical paper on refugees, displaced persons and statelessness statistics in the Arab region. The methodology is based on disk review, questionnaire addressed to member states, communication with member states and related international organizations. o This includes: i. Introduction and regional context ii. Objectives and scope of the paper iii. International concepts, definitions and statistical frameworks iv. Current status of refugee and displacement statistics in Arab States v. Main data sources: censuses, surveys, administrative records and humanitarian data Key data gaps and methodological challenges vi. Institutional coordination and role of national statistical offices vii. Opportunities for modernization, including GIS, digital tools and data integration viii. Capacity development needs, regional and international cooperation, including the role of ESCWA and partners ix. Recommendations and way forward for strengthening refugee and displacement statistics x. Annexes 2. Chapter on “refugees and displaced persons in the recurrent publication "Arab Society: Demographic and Social Trends: o Prepare a chapter on refugees and displaced persons statistics in the publication "Arab Society." This involves conducting reviews of literature, data analysis trends, and writing detailed and informative chapters that align with ESCWA's standards and objectives.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master’s degree in Demography, Statistics, Sociology, or related areas is required, a Ph.D. is desirable All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of ten years of experience in demographic and social statistics with focus on refugee and displaced persons' statistics is required. Previous experience in drafting reports and working on demographic and social statistics is desirable. Experience in data collection, management, and analysis is desirable. Familiarity with statistical concepts, sources, and methodologies is desirable. Proficiency in the use of statistical software and databases is desirable. Experience working with statistical offices in the region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required, knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.