International Individual consultancy: Census Technical Specialist, Freetown Sierra Leone

Background:

Sierra Leone will conduct a National Population and Housing Census in December 2025. Statistics Sierra Leone (STAT-SL) has initiated planning for a census and developed a census project document, to begin preparatory activities as soon as possible. The Census Technical Specialist (CTS) will provide technical support to UNFPA and Statistics Sierra Leone to advise on the planning, organization, execution, and management of the forthcoming population and housing census (PHC) and will work under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Country Representative.

S/he will regularly be advising and guiding the census process and ensuring that any challenges are quickly identified and raised with management. S/he will also provide

recommendations for measures required to ensure the census process continues to move forward on time. S/he will work with the Census Technical Team based in Statistics Sierra Leone and liaise with other national and international stakeholders and development partners, including United Nations agencies. The consultant will work closely with the UNFPA Deputy Representative to ensure the coherence of UNFPA’s support on the census.

Purpose of Consultancy:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Provide technical expertise: Offer expert guidance and advice on various aspects of census planning, implementation, and analysis, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices.
• Capacity building: Enhance the capacity of national statistical offices and other relevant institutions in census methodologies, data collection

techniques, and data processing, enabling them to conduct future censuses independently

• Quality assurance: Ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of census data through developing and implementing quality control measures throughout the census process.
• Data analysis: Assist in analyzing and interpreting census data to produce meaningful insights and support policy development.

Scope of work:

The main role of the census consultant is to provide technical support to Statistics Sierra Leone (STAT-SL) on the coordination, planning, execution, and management of the Population and Housing Census, including: Strategic planning, methodological, and implementation support of different

phases of the census:

• Coordinate and support the Assessment Team with the completion of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment of the current state of readiness to undertake census activities including a review of existing census legislation, infrastructure, methodologies, and resources.
• Census design and methodology, ensuring the use of appropriate sampling techniques and data collection methods.
• Development and adaptation of data collection instruments, such as questionnaires and manuals, to the specific context of Sierra Leone
• Data processing and analysis techniques, including the use of statistical software and data visualization tools.
• Liaise with national and international stakeholders on the objectives and requirements for the PHC 2025 and the progress made in the preparation of the PCH 2025.
• Identify technical assistance needs and facilitate relevant technical support from development partners and other agencies, as and when required;
• Maintain an updated Census risk analysis and support the implementation of appropriate mitigation mechanisms in consultation with key stakeholders
• Advise UNFPA and Statistics Sierra Leone on appropriate approaches to the implementation of the Census considering soundness, feasibility, potential resource availability, and cost implications
• Advise UNFPA and Statistics Sierra Leone on appropriate approaches to the implementation of the Census considering soundness, feasibility, potential resource availability, and cost implications
• Undertake any other technical tasks relevant to the Census as may be required, in consultation with the UNFPA Country Representative

Quality Assurance- Develop and implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of census data. This includes:

• Development and implementation of quality control measures at each stage of the census process.
• Establishing data quality standards and validation procedures.
• Conducting field visits to monitor data collection activities and provide on-site support.
• Developing and implementing data cleaning and editing procedures to address inconsistencies and errors.
• Monitor the implementation of the Census roadmap while providing regular updates
• Monitor and evaluate progress and challenges, prepare and submit monthly progress reports on Census activities, and consolidate quarterly progress reports for submission to stakeholders as relevant
• Liaise with relevant regional and global technical experts to ensure the provision of relevant inputs and participation in the Census as needed
• Organize and coordinate the observation of the census by a team of independent experts from within and outside Sierra Leone
• Prepare quarterly progress reports of the PHC 2025 activities for submission to STAT-SL and UNFPA, the National Census Technical Team, and key stakeholders

Capacity building: Conduct training programs and workshops to enhance the

skills and knowledge of census staff at various levels, including:

• Training on census methodologies, data collection techniques, and data processing procedures.
• Workshops on data analysis and interpretation, focusing on the use of census data for policy development.
• Mentoring and on-the-job support to census staff to strengthen their technical expertise.
• Support the planning, organization, execution and management of training activities for GDS as needed;

Advocacy, Coordination, and Resource Mobilisation

• Contribute to the process of advocacy and resource mobilization/leveraging for the Census
• Support UNFPA and the national government in developing and implementing census resource mobilization.
• Serve as the primary UNFPA focal point to enhance the technical partnership with Statistics Sierra Leone
• Support the UNFPA Representative in strengthening partnerships, coordination with government, donors, and other inter-agency support for outreach and communication activities related to the Census
• Participate in UNFPA management and programme meetings
• Assist advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the UNFPA Country Office by preparing relevant documentation, e.g. donor mapping and profiles, project summaries, speeches, press releases, and other communication products
• Participate in donor meetings, development initiatives, and public information events
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and working groups with Census stakeholders
• Foster teamwork and communication among staff at UNFPA and Statistics Sierra Leone concerning Census roadmap implementation
• Perform any other relevant duties that may be required by UNFPA Senior Management Team

You will report to:

The consultant will undertake the assigned tasks under the direct supervision of UNFPA Deputy Country Representative

Key Deliverables 

1. Needs Assessment Report

2. Technical Advice and Recommendations

3. Training Materials and Evaluation Reports

4. Census Manuals for Data Collection and Data Analysis

5. Quality Control and Implementation Plan

6. Quarterly progress reports to UNFPA and STAT-SL

7. Final Report

Duration:

11 months for the period 1 February 2025 – 30 December 2025

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultant will be based in Freetown and with travel to the field as needed.

The consultant will be paid a lump sum to support living expenses. Airfare

(economy class ticket) and terminal expenses will be covered by UNFPA.

Travel costs outside the duty station will be covered by UNFPA in keeping with the

UNFPA’s Travel Policy.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format, and deadline:

In addition to the stated deliverables, the Consultant will provide monthly reports on the status of implementation and progress, any key issues requiring the attention of

UNFPA or Government, and recommendations and plans for the next month.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements:

Education:

• Advanced University Degree, preferably PhD, in Demography, Statistics, Population Studies, Social Sciences, or other related discipline

Knowledge and Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in the field of population and housing censuses, particularly:
• Knowledge and experience in population and housing census preparation and implementation phases in developing countries especially in Africa;
• Knowledge of programming for using new technologies (new UNDG guidelines), especially with digital census operations, would be an asset;
• Knowledge and experience with census data processing software (CSPro, REDATAM), demographic data analysis (Mortpak, Fertpak, PAS), statistical packages (SPSS, Stata), and projection programmes (e.g. Demdiv, People, Spectrum, RUP);
• Experience in the dissemination of census data and socio-demographic analyses to broad audiences as well as in motivating the utilization of data and results in development planning and policy issues;
• Experience in providing on-the-job training to local staff on data quality, analysis, and report writing;
• Experience working with the United Nations System and demographic household surveys and censuses will be an asset;
• Communication skills especially for the transfer of knowledge.

Languages: Fluency in English is required

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

• Strategically positioning UNFPA programme
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness
• Generating, managing, and promoting the use of knowledge and information
• Facilitating quality programmatic results

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. 

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