Technical Consultant for GIST Statistical Training Assessment Tool

Result of Service Expected outputs and delivery dates - By 15 November: o Output 1: Detailed workplan with key outputs and targets o Output 2: Conclusions from review of open-sources survey tool - By 30 November o Output 3: Questionnaires setup in survey tool - By 15 December: o Output 4: Test completed and questionnaire updated o Output 5: Preliminary analysis recommendations - By 29 December: o Output 6: Final analysis recommendations o Output 7: Guide document

Work Location Remote

Expected duration The consultant will work in the period 1 November to 29 December 2023.

Duties and Responsibilities The range and depth of data demands emerging out of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is unprecedented. The global indicator framework contains 232 indicators, addressing each of the Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda. Therefore, the full implementation of the indicator framework to monitor the SDGs presents an enormous challenge for all countries. Significant efforts are required to strengthen national statistical capacities to provide the necessary data and statistics for the full implementation of the 2030 agenda. The UN General Assembly, in its resolution 71/313, has fully recognized the crucial importance of data for sustainable development and the urgent need to strengthen statistical capacities in countries. The Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Data also prioritizes statistical training as an essential action area.

To respond to these needs and improve coordination of statistical training, the Global Network of Institutes for Statistical Training (GIST) was established at the Statistical Commission in 2018. It was decided to organize work through task teams, with GIST members choosing which task teams to join, and each task team selecting a leader, with the leaders, UNSD secretariat and GIST chair forming a Board to facilitate sharing information and participation across task teams. Members today include international agencies, regional statistical training institutes and National Statistical Offices (NSOs) who provide training outside their own boarders. In addition, there is a stakeholder advisory group consisting of NSOs who provide input and guidance on the direction of the work, ensuring that the work of GIST members is relevant to them and other target users.

Current task teams are: 1. Addressing specific NSO demands 2. Online gateway and e-learning community of practice 3. Statistical literacy in the context of the 2030 Agenda

Task team 1 on addressing specific NSO demands is currently focusing its work on aspects related to how statistical training can become more sustainable at national level, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2020, a set of consultants were hired to better understand the current situation and potential follow up from GIST. The study Sustainable Statistical Training Programs at National Statistical Offices showed that there is large variation in how statistical training is organized at national level. In 2022, a consultant was hired to develop a tool and guidance material to support NSOs in identifying skills gaps and training needs in the NSO and the national statistical system (NSS) as well as to provide recommendations on how to prioritize among training needs and how to meet those need. The Statistical Training Assessment Tool (STAT) is a result of this work and consists of three questionnaires and a guidance document. The questionnaires are currently being tested in six countries to see how the skills catalogue and the questions work in different countries.

The next phase of the development of the STAT is to move from its current Excel-based version of to an electronic version that would all for easy data collection as well as analysis of data to guide countries in the prioritization of meeting training needs.

The objective of this consultancy is to support GIST through the development an electronic version of the three questionnaires by using open-sources and to conduct analysis of results (incl. coding) and provide recommendations on which tables and graphs the results to produce to support countries in how best to meet the most pressing training needs.

Work assignment Specifically, the work assignment will involve the following:

• Based on engagement with GIST members, prepare a detailed plan of activities, specifying key outputs and timelines, in close consultation with the UNSD project coordinator.
• Review different open-sources survey tools and provide recommendation for which to choose
• Setup the questionnaires in chosen survey software
• Test of electronic version of the questionnaires
• Conduct analysis of results
• Identify key results to be presented in tables and graphs

• Develop brief guidance document on the analysis for countries to use

  Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, development studies, international relations, public administration, or a related field. Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, including statistics or economics, is required. A bachelor’s degree in combination with seven (7) years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Solid knowledge of analysis and coding
• Knowledge of survey design

• Experience working with developing guidance

  Languages Full command of spoken and written English is required, knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

  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.