Consultant on citizen data quality

Result of ServiceA validated citizen data quality assessment model for Colombia, developed in collaboration with civil society and aligned with national and SDG priorities, to enhance the integration of citizen data into the national statistical system and support evidence-informed policymaking. Work LocationRemote Expected duration9 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs a target country of the DA16 project, Colombia will be focusing its work on the production and use of citizen data for inclusive policy. Under the consultancy, Colombia will focus on developing a citizen data quality assessment model. This model aims to establish criteria and standards to evaluate the quality, usability, and integration potential of citizen data within the national statistical system, particularly in alignment with the priorities of the National Statistical Office (DANE), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and evidence-based policy formulation. The objective of this consultancy is to obtain specialized advice to support the model’s construction and validation and its incorporation into the general maturity model proposed by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of Colombia, DANE, and currently being co-created with the country’s civil society organizations (CSOs). The consultant must follow up on project deliverables, oversee administrative tasks, and facilitate communication between the core national team, other national stakeholders/collaborators, international consultants and UN DESA staff to achieve the common output and achieve a shared outcome under the project. The consultant will be responsible for supporting the development of a citizen data quality assessment model for Colombia, establishing criteria and standards to evaluate the quality, usability, and integration potential of citizen data within the national statistical system. In alignment with DANE’s priorities and the SDGs, the consultant will provide specialized technical advice for the construction, validation, and incorporation of this model into Colombia’s broader statistical maturity framework, which is currently being co-developed with civil society organizations. Key responsibilities include monitoring project deliverables, coordinating administrative and technical tasks, and ensuring effective communication among the core national team, national stakeholders, international consultants, and UN DESA staff. Working closely with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD), the consultant will facilitate collaboration and technical support to ensure the model advances evidence-based policymaking and strengthens Colombia’s national statistical capacity. Specifically, the work assignment will involve the following: ● Prepare a proposal for assessing the quality model of citizen data in accordance with the guidelines provided by the NSO and the results of workshops with CSOs. ● Develop and monitor a detailed plan of activities, specifying key outputs and timelines, as well as responsible focal points, in close consultation with the core national team, UNSD and EAPD staff as well as the UN Country Team and other partners supporting the project in the country. ● Establish liaisons with the national core team (led by the National Statistical Office DANE), other national stakeholders and collaborators (including representatives of government agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, development partners, the private sector, etc.), international consultants (technical consultants, methodologists, etc.) engaged by the project, and UNSD and EAPD staff for the effective delivery of training and advisory services on the project. ● Work closely with the core national team, UNSD and EAPD staff as well as the UN Country Team and other partners supporting the project in the country. ● Coordinate workshops and training sessions with the National Statistics Office (NSO), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD), and other partners supporting the project to validate the proposed final quality model with key civil society stakeholders. ● Identify dissemination and promotion opportunities at the national and regional levels and develop communication materials for user engagement activities aimed at integrating key workshop outcomes into the quality model for evidence-informed policy formulation. ● Prepare a comprehensive progress review to be submitted to UNSD and EAPD by 31 May 2026 to the United Nations for monitoring and reporting purposes. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in development studies, social sciences, sociology, economics, management, international relations, public administration, or a related field with five (5) years of experience. A bachelor’s degree and two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Full fluency in Spanish is required, considering that the consultancy will be conducted in Spanish. Additionally, fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required, considering that the consultancy will include meetings with international organizations and consultants. Have a strong understanding of quality assessment processes and quality assurance frameworks is required. Knowledge of social and community work is especially valued. Experience in facilitating stakeholder engagement and convening sessions to support the project’s in-country activities is preferred. Experience working with international development partners, civil society organizations, particularly in the areas of open data, digital literacy, statistical capacity development and data quality management systems is desired. Technical expertise in one or more areas related to DESA’s work (such as economics or statistics) is desired. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in the English and Spanish 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.