Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census)

• Noumea or Suva-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

 

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Statistics for Development Division (SDD)’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.

The role – the Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census) will support Pacific Island Countries and Territories in good practices in statistics collection, including survey methodology, data processing, and estimation techniques.

 

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Playing a lead role in the development and improvement of statistical processes, methods and systems pertaining to surveys and census

• Statistical processes, methods and systems for surveys and / or census are demonstrably improving over time.
• A tangible contribution is being made to those improvements by this role in at least two of the areas of survey/census management, sampling, questionnaire design, Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), data processing, or statistical disclosure control.
• SPC is recognised as a successful leader promoting good practice in the Pacific with regards to survey and census methods.
• This role is documenting and disseminating improved methods through commissioned works, guidance notes and other publications that are well researched and founded in evidence and duly consulted on, quality assured and approved e.g. by the Pacific Statistics Methods Board.

Survey and census design and data processing

• Surveys and censuses supported by SPC are delivered on time to a high standard, up to the stage of analysis-ready processed data.
• A substantial contribution is being made to survey or census operations relating to at least two of the areas identified in KRA1.
• Divisional colleagues agree this role is making a significant contribution to delivery.

Technical assistance, training and support

• Staff from SPC, national statistics offices and relevant staff in line ministries trained in the areas of survey and census production most in line with this person’s expertise.
• Relationships with key stakeholders – in member countries, donors, implementation partners and universities – are positive.
• A tangible contribution is made to progress in the countries and territories SPC is working with towards strengthened capacity to deliver surveys and censuses, through including methods capability, statistical skills, software skills (Stata, R, CSPro, etc.).

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

 

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in statistics, data science or other academic discipline related to the role.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in official statistics or related areas.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of at least two of: census and complex survey management; sampling; questionnaires; and/or data processing.
• Experience in designing and delivering training for professionals.
• A good understanding of the challenges developing countries (particularly small island states) face, in the collection, production and use of official statistics.
• Experience with computer assisted personal interviewing systems and processes.

Language skills

• Excellent oral and written English language communication.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated ability to work with people from different national and cultural backgrounds

 

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 31 December 2027 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Statistics Adviser (Surveys and Census) is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale.

For a Noumea based position – a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

For a Suva based position – a starting salary range of 3,091‒3,864 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 9,211–11,513 (USD 4,111–5,138; EUR 3,831–4,789).  Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for international staff employees – SPC provides a housing allowance (or subsidised housing in Noumea). Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

 

Application procedure

Closing date: 12 January 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000334

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.  

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

 

Screening questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Briefly describe your technical skills and experience in survey sample design or in questionnaire development and testing
2. Briefly describe your skills and experience with R and/or Stata
3. What are some important current issues or trends relating to the use of household surveys for official statistics?

 

Position Description