The objective of this consultancy is therefore to support the countries in carrying out data linking with special focus on probabilistic linking, providing them with trainings and on-the-job support in how to do it, using the national data sources they have available. Performance indicators • Degree to which the materials are, concise, clearly structured, and presented. • Substantive materials delivered in an orderly, clear, and engaging manner. • Active engagement and interaction with NSO team to ensure proper understanding of the information • Effective time management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system.

We compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. We facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the United Nations Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system. There is an urgent need to strengthen the capacity of national statistical systems to leverage the use of administrative data for statistical purposes, in order to fill gaps in the data available to policy and decision makers to monitor progress and implement the 2030 Agenda, and to address emerging challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis.

When good-quality administrative systems are in place and their information is regularly updated, they can reliably and continuously provide a full picture of key aspects of a country’s population or economy, on a continuous basis. Re-use of data which are collected by government agencies and ministries in the course of their regular work often reduces the response-burden on the citizens and businesses and makes the statistical system more resilient to disruptions created by natural disasters and other emergencies.

Data from existing administrative registers are, however, not primarily collected for the purpose of producing official statistics, but rather to fulfill other functions, such as legal or regulatory compliance, delivery of government services, etc. Many countries are still struggling with the lack of infrastructure and technical and institutional arrangements for the efficient exchange and processing of administrative data and metadata for the production of official statistics. The Development Account 13 project on Administrative data for disaggregated Sustainable Development Goals indicators in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America (DA13) is supporting 8 countries in improving the use of administrative data for statistics production.

 

Some of the countries have now managed to gain access to some of these data which poses new opportunities and challenges. One is that the information is available in different formats and often not with the same identifying information. Data linking, under the scope of a deterministic approach and particularly the use of probabilistic data linkage becomes important. This is a relatively advanced method that the national statistical offices (NSOs) need to learn how to make use of.

The objective of this consultancy is therefore to support the countries in carrying out data linking with special focus on probabilistic linking, providing them with trainings and on-the-job support in how to do it, using the national data sources they have available. Work Assignment The consultant will: 1. Provide guidance to the NSOs on how they can improve their record linkage methods using concrete data from the area of work they are focusing on, including guidance on which methods may be better ones to apply, based on assessment of the data sources and linkage approaches already applied by the NSOs.

2. Provide concrete code on linkage and other concrete coding guidance related to the challenges identified using Python. in order to create capabilities in the NSOs. The tasks to be performed by the consultant will include: • Liaise with the NSO focal person and key NSO experts to gather key internal information, going in depth on the previous technical knowledge, methodology and software used. • Creation of synthetic data with guidance of the NSO in order to develop the codes.

• Briefly document current data linking processes, internal knowledge and techniques within the NSO. • Provide feedback and guidelines to the NSO based on their advances and path to follow. • Develop concrete codes related to the data linkage work and train the NSO in how to integrate it into existing analysis and overall how to use the code. The consultant is expected to maintain effective and fluent communication with the NSO throughout the consultancy.

 

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science, big data, or related field and at least 5 years of professional experience is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Demonstrated experience in implementing probabilistic record linkage on real data and applying different models is required. Proven skills in designing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting training initiatives is desired. Familiarity with the 2030 Agenda and the SDG indicator framework is desirable. Familiarity with the National Statistical Office is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.