Senior Statistician, P4

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR

Closing date: 31 Mar 2011
Location: Switzerland - Geneva

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

With the continued deployment of results based management systems in UNHCR, and their natural dependance on good data and systems, this post is critical in providing UNHCR with the necessary technical expertise in the development, management and analysis of data and data systems. The incumbent will work closely with other technical experts in headquarters and in the field, continuing to provide high quality and advanced data and statistical analysis for the organisation as a whole. The post is also responsible for supervising the collection and issuance of of statistical on populations both internally and externally. The need for highly qualified statistical expertise within UNHCR is essential as the organisation aims to collect and provide highly reliable and analytical data on persons of concern. With the implementation of results based management, field operations have expontentially increased their need and interest in improved data collection, baselines and analsysis systems, resulting in an ever expanding need for high level technical advice in statistics and data management. UNHCR is also responsible for providing statistical information on refugees globally, and the organisation credibility and reputation depend on the timeliness, quality and reliability of the statistics published as well as those used for operational purposes. Another important aspect of the position is to build capacity for data management principles and practices within UNHCR. The incumbent is responsible for the evaluation, design, development and delivery of training programmes and activities in meet the organisation's needs in data management. This position is the main technical reference for all advanced statistical and data management support in UNHCR globally.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

Data for various uses in UNHCR, including for internal and external audiences are compiled and analyzed.

Responsibility

1. Coordination and support of data collection in Field Offices concerning the demography and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers and other persons of concern to UNHCR.
2. Compilation and analysis data (with an age and gender perspective) for UNHCR’s internal planning processes and for reporting purposes to UNHCR’s external audiences.
3. Drafting and updating of guidelines on standards and methodologies of data collection and analysis in UNHCR.
4. Participate and provide inputs into the processes establishing UNHCR’s policies and procedures on planning and reporting UNHCR’s operational activities (results-based management).
5. Planning, management, and supervision of data collection activities (in particular surveys) outsourced to UNHCR’s partner organizations.
6. Design and update of training strategies for operational data management in UNHCR Field Offices; Planning, management, and direct implementation of training events for UNHCR staff involved in data collection, compilation, and analysis.
7. Participation on behalf of UNHCR in inter-agency technical meetings on statistical issues and promotion of UNHCR’s role as partner for statistical data in the areas of forced migration.
8. Supervision of staff, interns and consultants and responsibility for special assignments as determined by his/her supervisor.
9.Development of survey methods and analysis plans for data collection activities in field operations; definition of indicators and guidance for the collection of measurable indicators;
10. Development and presentation of UNHCR's position in regard to statistics and statistical methods with external bodies such as the UN agencies, the World Bank, the European Union and other formal and inforrmal bodies;
11. Development, identification and promotion of the appropriate methods for gathering and analysis information about persons of concern to UNHCR;
12. Preparation, drafting and publication of standard statistical reports (Aylum Trends, Global Trends, and Statistical Yearbook)
13. Support to Focus system with population and other data
14. Capacity improvement to field operations for operational data management
15. Guidance and direction on methods and tools for data gathering in situations of forced displacement
16. Technical support and guidance to Joint IDP Profiling Service on behalf of UNHCR .

Authority

Decide on recommendations on the figures to be published as official UNHCR statistics;
Representation of UNHCR at international and national statistical and migration fora;
Representation of UNHCR work as associated with the Millennium Development Goals.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Advanced university degree in social statistics, economics, population/migration studies, human geography or related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant experience in project management, drafting statistical and analytical reports, and delivering training.
Minimum of 5 years of international experience.
Proven ability to manipulate data by using standard tabulation and statistical software packages.
Expertise in all aspects of data analysis with special regard to an age and gender perspective.
Excellent drafting skills
Proficiency in English, and one or more of the following UN languages: Arabic, French, or Spanish.

Familiarity with all aspects of UNHCR's Field operations and served in Programme and / or management functions in Field operations would be a definite asset.
Familiarity with UNHCR's registration systems would be an asset, as well as having participated in either the Operations Learning or the Protection Learning Programmes.
Candidates with a non-UNHCR background should have relevant experience with humanitarian relief operations in general and demographic, medical, or other sectoral data management issues.
Experience in development statistics would also be helpful.
Project management experience is important due to the increasing need to outsource statistical functions.

How to apply

UNHCR aims for workforce diversity. Women are encouraged to apply for positions

A full curriculum vitae, including nationality and references, should be sent to: UNHCR, Vacancy Management Unit (quoting ref.10002209), case postale 2500, 1211 Geneva 2 Dépôt, Switzerland, or by fax (+41 22) 739 7322, or preferably, by e-mail: hqpe14@unhcr.org

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 March 2011

To apply

Applications and updated CV should be submitted to hqpe14unhcr.org