ACS/ Senior International Consultant- APAI-CRVS Strategic Plan

Result of Service Ultimate result of service The main object -ive is to develop the Strategic Plan for the APAI-CRVS for the period 2022 to 2030

Work Location Addis Ababa

Expected duration The consultancy period will be from 26 April to 31 December 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities Background The Africa Programme for Accelerated improvement of civil registration and vital statistics systems (APAI-CRVS) is a continental-wide initiative created to provide support to African countries in development and strengthening civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems. The Programme was commissioned by African ministers responsible for civil registration during their first conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in August 2010. Recognizing the importance yet poor functioning of CRVS systems on the continent, the ministers urged for the creation of a systematic and coordinated framework of support to African member states in this area under the leadership of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). APAI-CRVS is founded on international standards, principles, tools and recommendations of CRVS. The programme adopts and recommends a sector-wide approach to reforming and improving CRVS systems, recognizing that CRVS is multisectoral in nature and requires the engagement of a diverse set of stakeholders to achieve a well-functioning system.

Year 2021 marked ten years since inception of the regional CRVS programme and conclusion of the second phase of the APAI-CRVS strategy and plan, which covered the period 2017-2021. The 2017-2021 strategic plan introduced a strategic shift in the focus areas of the programme i.e., moving from the former preparatory phase which was characterized by intensive advocacy, communication and planning efforts to rigorous capacity development initiatives based on specific country demands and needs. In this respect, in the period 2017-2021, activities of the programme majored on capacity building of national personnel involved in the management of CRVS systems. Capacity building was conducted mainly in the form of sub-regional and in-country training workshops with some adjustments made in the mode of delivery post 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic. As the programme transits into its next phase of implementation i.e., 2022-2030 a new strategic and action plan is needed to steer its implementation. The new plan will build on the lessons learnt in the previous implementation period (including by reflecting on what was achieved so far vis a vis what is pending and any emerging issues) and define the new strategic vision of the programme.

This post is located at the African Centre for Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The senior international consultant will work under the general supervision of the Director of the Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics. The consultant will assume the following duties and responsibilities: 1 Outline the methodology and approach for development of the regional CRVS strategy and action plan 2. Lead consultations with relevant stakeholders that will contribute to development of the CRVS strategy and plan 3. Prepare initial draft of the CRVS strategy and action plan and lead consultations for its review including at Expert group meeting 4. Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and finalize development of the CRVS strategy and action Plan 5. Lead dissemination efforts of the CRVS strategy and action plan including at the 6th Conference of ministers of civil registration

Ultimate result of service The main objective is to develop the Strategic Plan for the APAI-CRVS for the period 2022 to 2030

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university (Master's degree) or equivalent in Statistics, demography, population studies, public health, social sciences or related field is required Experience: A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in in Statistics including experience of working with African member states. Knowledge and experience in civil registration and vital statistics systems and in strategic planning is required. Knowledge of the organization and functioning of the Regional CRVS program (APAI-CRVS) including active engagement in the activities of the program is desirable. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in either language is required. Knowledge of the other is advantageous

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.