Project Description

The post is located in the Demographic and Social Statistics Branch (DSSB), Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The incumbent of the post supports the project’s overall efforts to enhance the availability of quality disability statistics in the post-2015 development era and reports to the Senior Statistician/Project Manager.

The UN Statistics Division has launched in June 2015 a project to enhance the capacity of national statistical offices to produce and disseminate good quality and fit-for-purpose statistics on disability for evidence-based policy making and monitoring. The project will be implemented from June 2015 to March 2019. The project activities include: 1) the formulation of international guidelines for the measurement of disability, taking into account existing measurement instruments, good national practices and country experiences; 2) the development of a database on disability statistics and the preparation of a compendium using the data gathered; 3) the enhancement of capacity of national statistical systems to collect and generate relevant and quality disability statistics based on international guidelines.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Statistician/Project Manager, and within limits of delegated authority, the Statistician will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Organizes, designs, plans and carries out the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of disability data by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing methods for checking collected data, and selecting and implementing appropriate methods for data processing for incorporation into databases.
  • Participates in the development, implementation and management of statistical database(s).
  • Provides training and technical support on data collection programmes, country practices and other related information.
  • Participates in the development or revision of standards on statistical concepts, definitions and classifications to produce disability statistics, by performing methodological research.
  • Prepares draft technical documents for international, intergovernmental and expert group meetings and assists in drafting relevant reports, including a Disability Statistics Compendium.
  • Organizes and participates in seminars, working groups and expert meetings as a technical resource person.
  • Guides trains and supervises general service staff.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Counterparts at Headquarters and the regional commissions Systems staff
Counterparts from international agencies and national statistical offices

Results Expected:

Provides substantive input into statistical projects through the adaptation of statistical methods and interpretation of standards.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of statistical principles and practices. Knowledge of various aspects of disability statistics, and of key sources of disability statistics, such as population and housing censuses and household surveys. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis and establish databases. Ability to apply United Nations rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Show pride in work and in 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; show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Take 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, quantitative sociology, demography or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience in statistics of social statistics may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of social or related statistics, including disability statistics at the national or international level is required. Experience in data collection methods as well as data sources, such as surveys, censuses and administrative systems is required. Proven experience in the use of databases and in updating and maintaining of online data platforms is desired.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations Language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.