Individual National Consultancy for Technical Assistance to the State Statistics Committee in preparatory work for the Complete Population and Housing Census of Turkmenistan in 2022

Contract

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In 2014, the UN adopted the Resolution on the 2020 Round World Population and Housing Census Program (document 2015/10). In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan “On conducting a complete census of the population and housing stock of Turkmenistan in 2022” dated October 25, 2017 No. 410, the population and housing census of Turkmenistan (Census 2022) is to be conducted on December 17-27, 2022. The previous population and housing census was conducted in 2012, however, its results have not been published yet. The program of the upcoming Census 2022 was developed in line with the UN Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses and focuses on collecting data on the size, sex and age structure, demographic, ethno-linguistic, social, educational and migration composition of the population of Turkmenistan. For the first time, the Census 2022 will be collecting data on disabled persons using the Washington Group Questions.

The effective conduct of the 2020 Round Census in Turkmenistan is a significant exercise in producing comprehensive information on the population’s profile, demographic and socio-economic structure, structure of households and families, housing and living conditions. This nationally-led process will demonstrate progress, future needs and offers a unique opportunity for investments to improve the national statistical system. The Census 2022 will be an essential basis for measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and will be essential for national and development partners’ planning to make sure evidence-based decisions on socio-economic development.

The Census 2022 Questionnaire includes questions on migration and disability and as such is consistent with international standards. The Pilot Census that was conducted on 17-27 December 2021. According to the State Statistics Committee (SSC), the questions on migration and disability did not raise any challenges on the side of the enumerators and the respondents. The PHC data collection will be conducted using electronic devices - tablets, as such, the data will be in a digital format. This is the first experience of Turkmenistan in collecting the PHC data in a digital mode. Php, Laravel, Flutter and MySQL 8.0 are used for data processing from tablets and structuring of the main output tables under the Pilot Census and will be used for the similar purposes under the main Population and Housing Census of Turkmenistan in 2022.

Considering the fact that census counts every member of the household, it is going to provide important data about the population at large and those most in need, especially children and people with disabilities. In this regard, it is especially important to ensure quality and efficient data processing mechanisms.

With that in mind, to ensure effective data processing and analysis, a National Software company was hired by the SSC to develop software solutions for census data processing. However, the experience of the SSC in cooperation with the company revealed that their capacities are limited in terms of understanding the required output tables and structure for the statistical data processing. Moreover, the company is engaged, for the first time, in developing a software for this type of specific undertaking. The SSC also suffers from limited capacities of its IT section in providing overall guidance and instructing the company. These challenges suggest a need for an expert support on data processing. To address the SSC need in support, it is planned to hire a National Consultant in Data Processing, who will technically guide and facilitate the work of software developers and the SSC focusing on:

• improving and finalizing mechanisms for checking the information entered into the tablets based on the specified logical order to exclude errors and typos;

• developing Instructions for enumerators on handling data entry errors and troubleshooting;

• developing layouts and technical description (rules for generating final data) for all output tables foreseen under the Program of results of the 2022 Complete Population and Housing Census of Turkmenistan.

Rationale

Data processing is a highly technically specific operation in census undertaking. Whilst the SSC has some experience in the use of digital technology for household data collection, ITC capacities within the office are very limited and undertaking census data processing requires high level technical support to ensure that the census data machinery is well maintained and produces high quality data.

The long-term objective is to develop capacities within SSC for collection and analysis of data from censuses and surveys through the use of technologies. The project will result in sustainability of data collection and analysis in the future through increased capabilities, better frames for future surveys.

The impact of the consultancy will be error-free data processing platform for the census. With that a National consultant is required who will ensure quality checks in the data processing system.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required: • University degree in Computer Science and or Statistics/ Mathematics is required; Advanced University Degree will be considered as an asset; • At least 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in census or household surveys; • Knowledge of CSPro and CSPro Android is essential • Demonstrated experience of developing tools and guidance, capacity building and mentoring of technical staff • Excellent analytical, writing, communication and facilitation skills; • Fluency in Russian and/or Turkmen is required, English is desirable;