Consultancy - Strengthening Population and Demographic Training in Developing Countries

Duration:           35 days (September to November 2021)
Location:           UNFPA HQ, New York (remote-based)

Position:

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Population and Development Branch (PDB) and in cooperation with Population and Development specialists from UNFPA regional offices, the consultant will provide strategic guidance to UNFPA of future investments in population and demographic training.

UNFPA has a rich history of investment in university students, and centres of excellence in demographic training. A significant number of senior demographers currently working in the UN and university sector were, in fact, trained with support from UNFPA. The funding formally dedicated to these institutions has been re-directed, with a contraction of formal training opportunities, particularly in Africa. 

The data transformation of the past decade has generated new sources of population data from Big Data to satellite imagery; increasing access to georeferenced data; new probabilistic approaches to modelling and population projections; and new data platforms that allow for large-scale data storage and processing.  At the same time – demands for faster, high resolution population data and analytics call for: data disaggregated at local, or sub-national level, including small-area estimations; methods for capturing or estimating data on mobile or displaced populations, particularly in humanitarian and fragile contexts; stronger civil registration systems for more timely population data; assuring inclusion of minorities and “invisible’ populations;  and new data governance systems that balance access and data privacy.

Recent transformations in population data and analytics call for renewed investments in population data training, in order to assure a next generation of population data specialists who are agile in working with new data sources and methods, and who will expand expertise and capacity in the public, civil society and private sectors.

Scope of Work: 

Under the supervision of the Chief, PDB with ongoing support from PD specialists from the field and HQ and working from a recent (2019) review of UNFPA’s historic investments in population data centres, the consultant will:

• Review the history and impact of UNFPA former investments in demographic training in the global south; 
• Review new innovative capacity development programmes in population data, including UNFPA’s Population Data Fellows; those supported by IUSSP, UOPS and similar university, UN, civil society and donor initiatives; 
• Review opportunities presented by self-directed and remote learning;
• Provide strategic guidance to UNFPA of future investments in population and demographic training.

The following deliverables are expected:

• Proposed work plan
• First full draft report
• Final report

Requirements: 

Education:

Advanced University degree (Masters level) in Demography, Population Studies, or a related field in the quantitative social sciences required; doctorate desirable. 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Ten (10) years relevant academic and training experience in the field of demographic/population studies;
• Experience in the design and evaluation of academic training programmes, particularly those directed to a range of diverse learners;
• Familiarity with university and academic institutions in developing countries;
• Excellent English writing and editing skills. 

How to Apply: 

Please send a motivational cover letter and CV/Resume to sacco@unfpa.org with “Consultant: Strengthening Population and Demographic Training in Developing Countries” in the subject by 10 August 2021. 

Disclaimer:
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.