Research and Data Analyst on Population and Development

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

The Research and Data Analyst on Population and Development is located in East and Southern Africa Regional Office of UNFPA, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and reports directly to the Population Dynamics Policy Adviser based in the Evidence Knowledge and Innovation Unit, under the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Director. S/He/They will be part of an inter-disciplinary team with a focus on strengthening knowledge management and research strategies undertaken by the East and Southern Africa Region in support of the 23 countries in the region and accelerating exchange and learning across other UNFPA regions. S/He/They will support the production of data on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), measure the impact of interventions, and strengthen humanitarian data. The candidate should be familiar with a variety of common health and population data sources, including household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), registry data and population censuses, and be capable of producing up-to-date estimates of demographic trends and projections.

• Work with the Evidence Knowledge and Innovation unit to facilitate generation of sound knowledge products and evidence-based briefing papers from across all units in ESARO to highlight strategic regional level and country specific issues relevant for the ICPD Agenda; • Facilitate the maintenance of accessible database(s) of best/good practices, lessons learned, researches/studies, to mention a few; and ensure linkages to relevant UN-wide knowledge management hubs and platforms at regional and global level. • Liaise with the RO Technical Advisors to manage the in-depth analysis and research findings, and exchange of good practices in order to build knowledge related to UNFPA strategic plan and regional programme and thematic areas including integrated sexual and reproductive health, adolescent and youth development, gender and GBV and population dynamics in support of sustainable and inclusive development; • Support and assist the assigned Country Offices to identify opportunities or lessons learnt/best practices in countries; • Serve as an active member of the Research and Publication Committee in support of actions to ensure quality Regional and Country level publications through oversight and review of concepts and scope of studies, research and knowledge generation initiatives to ensure relevance to UNFPA mandate. • Ensure the creation and documentation of research and evidence about current and emerging population and development trends, including SRHR and gender issues; • Conduct or provide quality assurance to secondary data analyses for regional and sub-regional advocacy and policy dialogues to accelerate progress towards the Transformative results and ICPD Programme of Action; • In collaboration with regional and country offices, identify areas for research in line with UNFPA mandate, facilitate the research activities from design, through implementation to quality assurance, and synthesis of results. • Undertake analysis of substantive reports on population and development issues, specifically around the Transformative results, Demographic Dividend, impact of climate change, migration, global trends on SRHR. In addition, support the formulation of follow-up actions from the analysis required to inform policies, programmes and corporate business processes as may be applicable; • Prepare materials for publication and dissemination through internal and external South-South and Triangular Cooperation such as new knowledge, best practices and practical lessons learnt; • Guide documentation (collection, review and analysis) of good/best practices and lessons learned in accordance with UNFPA guidelines to demonstrate impact towards achieving the transformative results and fostering learning to guide realigning of interventions, scale up innovation and programme implementation.

Values: • Exemplifying integrity • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system • Embracing cultural diversity • Embracing change

Core Competencies: • Achieving results • Being accountable • Developing and applying professional expertise/ business acumen • Thinking analytically and strategically • Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships • Communicating for impact

Managerial Competencies: • Providing strategic focus • Engaging internal/ external partners and stakeholders • Leading, developing and empowering people/ creating a culture of performance • Making decisions and exercising judgment

Functional Skill Set: • Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda • Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships • Delivering results-based programme • Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

research and data analysis of population and development issues and development relevant to sexual and reproductive health, gender and population and development. • An expert in population and development and particularly in research on complex population relationships and data; • 15 years of experience in data collection, analysis, visualization, dissemination, database management and research within an academic or development institution • Strong knowledge of statistical methodologies, including strong competencies in the use of statistical packages such as R, STATA or SPSS. • Mastery of methods and techniques for data quality assessment, processing and analysis using a variety of health and population sources (DHS, MICS and population census) • Ability to provide advice and guidance on the analysis, interpretation and application of data from project information • Experience with achieving demonstrable results in the majority of the following areas: innovative use of technology for development, mobile based data collection, training and capacity building and human centered design experience. • Experience in conducting research and generating evidence products, Results-Based Programme Development and Management to improve programme efficiency • Experience in programme and/or technical assistance with the UN System and other international development organizations will be desirable; • Ability to explain complex ideas and findings in a way that can be easily understood and to work creatively within a budget and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources; • Excellent oral and Written Skills, Excellent drafting, formulation and reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport.

Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots.

Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.