Sampling and Data Integration Expert (Establishment Survey)

Contract

This is a IPSA-9 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Personnel Services Agreement. It is normally internationally recruited only. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IPSA-9 contracts.

Background

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the "Apply now" button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. Please ensure that CV or P11 and the Cover letter are combined in one file.

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Travel:

1. UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements.
2. Any travels related to official performance of duties will be covered by UNDP.

Office/Unit/Project Description

Saudi Arabia has realised and sustained, for the last four decades, remarkable progress along the socio-economic development path. As a result of this, the Kingdom has been able to move to a high-income country.

The GDP, for instance, increased from SR 156 billion in 1969 to SR 2,631 billion in 2018, putting the economy among the top 20 global economies in terms of size. Based on the annual ranking of the Human Development Index (HDI) of the Human Development Report, Saudi Arabia has steadily moved from the medium human development category in the 1990s to the very high human development category in 2018 at 0.857 value of HDI.

The Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious resolve with long-term goals and expectations founded on the strengths and capabilities of the Kingdom. It covers the three themes of a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A thorough review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern would reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the social, the economic and the environmental. Saudi Arabia recognises that achieving the SDGs requires rigorous, real-time and continuous monitoring for which quality statistics is a must. The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) has gone through a major revision of its corporate strategy and vision in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the SDGs. The revised strategy revolves around five pillars:

• Usage of statistics and information
• Production of statistics and information
• Application of advanced technologies in collecting and analyzing datasets
• Communications and awareness towards statistical knowledge
• Governance of statistical sector

Under the framework of the Institutional Support to Statistics project, UNDP provides technical support to the GaStat to strengthen the institutional and human capacities of the national statistical system to support evidence-based development planning and policy-making.

The project seeks to recruit a Sampling and Data Integration Expert to support the design and implementation of the sampling methodology for the Establishment Survey to ensure the accuracy of the data produced from the survey.

Institutional Arrangement

She/he will be supervised by Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), other consultants and the relevant GaStat staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Sampling and Data Integration Expert will provide technical advice related to planning and administering the Establishment Survey, including developing the sampling methodology and guiding the design and implementation of the survey. The Expert will also implement capacity strengthening activities, including training and mentoring, for GaStat staff. He/ She will work under the supervision of the General Manager for Statistical services Directorate and work closely with the Sampling Expert and other consultants. Specifically, the responsibilities under this assignment will include the following:

• Prepare the sampling frame for the establishments in the selected industries/sectors.
• Develop a comprehensive sampling methodology, develop sample plan and undertake sample size calculation, and calculate weights and sampling errors to ensure representative sample to allow statistical inferences.
• Prepare descriptions and complete documentation of sampling methodologies and procedures for the surveys.
• Define the imputation methodology to be used to fill in the missing information and to modify the incorrect information
• Advice on survey design, data collection instruments for the qualitative and quantitative components of the survey and the statistical methodologies for the integration of different sources.
• Undertake quality control on data processing, guide the fieldwork and monitor the survey steps to ensure that the final dataset met the sampling plan requirements.
• Develop mathematical-statistical methods and advise on the IT tools and the required software to facilitate data management ( collection, storage and analysis)
• Advise GaStat on principles and best practices related to sampling methodologies, sampling frame construction, sample design, sample size calculations, and handling missing data etc.
• Providing coaching and on-the-job training for the GaStat staff on survey planning and sampling methods as relevant.
• Performing any other relevant tasks requested by the supervisor.

Competencies

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

• Advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. in statistics or economics with an emphasis on statistics.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience with national statistics offices, international organisations, or government in applying statistical theories and techniques to design, plan and manage large scale surveys and/or censuses, including substantial experience in designing sampling strategies and frameworks.

Required skills and competencies

• Ability to provide statistical technical advice on different sectors/themes.
• Strong computer skills and strong expertise in statistical analyses (familiarity with data processing and data analysis software).
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team and to work under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish good inter-relationship with government and non-government organisations working business and economics sectors.
• Good understanding and practice of capacity development.

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Knowledge & experience working with constituents in the Arab States, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Display cultural, gender, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

• Excellent command of English, working knowledge of Arabic would be considered an asset.