Consultant – Capacity Development Curriculum Development (Power of Data)

Result of ServiceThe objective of this consultancy is to develop two detailed capacity development curricula for delivery under the Power of Data project described below: • Curriculum A: For policymakers and decision-makers, focused on improving statistical literacy, data use in planning and policy, and evidence-based decision-making (Project output 1.3). • Curriculum B: For producers of statistics, focused on improving the accessibility, communication, and usability of existing statistics and strengthening user engagement (Project output 2.1). The curricula should outline specific content and structure for virtual delivery, in-person delivery (primarily over a total of 3 to 4 in-person missions per country for the delivery of both curricula), and self-paced elements, in a balance deemed appropriate considering the learning outcomes. The consultant will map and assess relevant existing resources and propose where these can be adapted or integrated into the curricula. The actual development of detailed training materials is out of scope at this stage. Work LocationRemote/ Home-based Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND At the 2023 SDG Summit, the Deputy Secretary General launched the High Impact Initiative on the Power of Data. This initiative highlights the role played by data as “the fuel that powers progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The goal of the initiative is to accelerate progress on the SDGs by overcoming specific barriers inherent in national data and statistical systems, including a lack of political prioritization, fragmentation, inadequate and siloed investments, and capacity shortfalls. To support increased use of data for policy and decision-making in Asia and the Pacific, the ESCAP Statistics Division has launched a new project on the Power of Data. The project supports four countries in Asia and the Pacific to improve the use of existing data and statistics in policy and decision-making, focusing on one of six key SDG transitions: food systems, energy, digital connectivity, education, jobs/social protection, and climate/biodiversity. A core component of the project is the delivery of structured capacity development programmes for: (a) policymakers and decision-makers (Output 1.3), and (b) data producers/statistical offices (Output 2.1), For (a), in-person and remote capacity-building workshops/seminars will be targeted at officials of different levels of seniority. For senior officials, the focus should be on increasing their understanding of how data and statistics can be used to support evidence-based decision-making and developing skills in understanding and correctly interpreting data presented to them in briefings. For more junior officials in line ministries, the focus should include increasing knowledge of key national data sources related to priority data needs, including non-traditional sources, as well as understanding of how these can be incorporated into their work. These activities should also support the identification of senior figures to act as national data champions, as well as the training of trainers to support the ongoing use of the capacity development resources at the national level. For (b), in-person and remote capacity-building workshops/seminars will be developed and delivered in each of the target countries to support enhanced data use through working with data producers to improve the accessibility, communication and coherence of statistics. These activities should include support for increasing the effectiveness of data communication and visualisation, improving user engagement, as well as the establishment of data sharing agreements. The curriculum should be designed to be able to be adapted to the specific areas of policy focus in each target country. As part of these activities, it is also expected that data producers will be invited to present to the policy officials participating in project activities. The consultant will: • Review existing relevant resources (including those shared by ESCAP, along with additional resources identified by the consultant) to assess suitability for inclusion or adaptation. • Design two detailed curricula, in consultation with ESCAP staff and relevant stakeholders from countries as needed, clearly specifying: - Intended learning outcomes - Recommended delivery modalities (balance of in-person workshops and remote support) and sequencing - How existing resources can be used directly or adapted, and clearly identify any gaps requiring new material development - Details of thematic and practical content for each element of the curriculum, tailored to user groups and aligned to project objectives - Opportunities to support training of trainers. • Deliver draft and final versions of each curriculum, incorporating feedback from ESCAP and country partners. Prepare a short summary report outlining decisions on resource integration/adaptation and identified gaps requiring new material development. Qualifications/special skills- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics, economics, education, international development, public administration, or related fields. - Minimum 5 years of experience working in official statistics at national/international levels is required Demonstrated experience developing curricula and/or training materials for statistical capacity-building, including for non-statistical audiences, is required. - Previous experience delivering or developing in-person and/or online training activities for official statistics is required. - Experience working with national statistical offices and policymakers in developing countries is highly desirable. LanguagesFluency in English, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.