The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is a globally recognized program that conducts nationally representative surveys to collect essential data on health indicators. Conducted every five years, these surveys provide critical information on population, health, and nutrition. In Timor-Leste, DHS initiatives have been instrumental since independence in 2002, addressing significant health infrastructure challenges and facilitating informed decision-making and targeted health interventions.

The upcoming fourth DHS in Timor-Leste is crucial for several reasons. It will provide essential data on key health indicators such as maternal and child health, nutrition, infectious diseases, and healthcare access. This data is vital for policymakers to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize health interventions. Additionally, the DHS serves as a critical tool for monitoring progress towards national and international health goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling the government to assess intervention impacts and adjust strategies for better health outcomes. Furthermore, the survey helps identify disparities in health outcomes across regions and demographic groups, guiding targeted interventions to promote equitable healthcare access and improve population health.

The Institute of National Statistics (INETL) in Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), is mandated to undertake the DHS. UNFPA and its counterparts will provide technical and financial support for this endeavor. The DHS consultant will play a crucial role in preparations for the survey.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

Provide support to the INETL in the finalization of the 2025 DHS roadmap and detailed plan and budget
Ensure the timely implementation of the TLDHS plan, and other documents, making necessary amendments and revisions as needed.
Support the coordination of the key stakeholders and donors especially interagency coordination
Provide support to INETL to coordinate the planning and review meetings of the 2025 TLDHS
Identify potential funding sources and development partners to support the survey.
Contribute to the process of advocacy and resource mobilization for the 2025 TLDHS.
Coordinate the planning meeting, organization, execution, and management of the 2025 TLDHS.
Facilitate the technical coordination between INETL, MoH, ICF Macro and UN Agency guidance in the development of survey design and questionnaires and other relevant technical work
Prepare monthly progress reports of the 2025 TLDHS preparation for submission to INETL and UNFPA.
Identify potential risks and challenges, develop contingency plans, and address any emerging issues promptly during the survey preparation and implementation
Coordinate with INETL/MoH to get ethical clearance of the DHS from the relevant ethics board

Duration and working schedule:

3 months upon signing of the contract

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultant will be working in Timor-Leste. When on a mission, the consultant will be based at the INETL’s office.,

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

The deliverables to be produced by the consultant are as follows (reports are in electronic form):

Deliverables

1. DH Survey Plan and Timelines and detailed budget Submitted

2. Resource Mobilization plan and proposal available

3. DHS survey designed and questionnaires developed

4. DHS survey protocol submitted to the ethics board

5. Number of planning and review meetings conducted with meeting reports submitted with clear recommendations

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

Regular consultation (face-to-face, online meetings, e-mails) and sharing of information and documents.

Supervisory arrangements:

The consultant will report to the Representative of UNFPA and closely supervised by the Assistant Country Representative

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Education:

Master’s degree in demography, economics, development studies, or statistics. PhD will be an added advantage

Knowledge and experience:

10 ( ten) years of relevant and proven professional experience in demography, economics, development studies, statistics, involving data analysis and technical report writing;
Knowledge of Timor-Leste and East Asian region context will be an added advantage.
Demonstrated proficiency in analytical software such as SAS, SPSS, STATA, and spreadsheets.
Knowledge and experience with demographic analysis software packages such as CSPro, Mortpak, PAS, and Spectrum would be an added advantage. On-the-job training/coaching skills.

Language