The Position:
Launched at the SDG Summit in September 2023, the Power of Data (PoD) Initiative is one of twelve High Impact Initiatives (HIIs) designed to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs). The initiative mobilizes investment and political support for national data systems by galvanizing high-level leadership and fostering coherent support from the UN Country Team, development partners, civil society, and the private sector.
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In Sierra Leone, robust, timely, and accurate data are increasingly vital to inform national development efforts, especially in the context of implementing the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030 (MTNDP) and aligning with the global SDG framework. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in partnership with UN co-leads UNFPA, UNICEF, World Bank, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, and other stakeholders, is leading efforts to leverage PoD to build resilient data ecosystems and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
As the designated lead agency for the localization of the PoD Initiative in Sierra Leone, UNFPA seeks to recruit a qualified national consultant to provide technical and implementation support to accelerate the conceptualization and operationalization of the initiative.
Job Purpose:
The consultant will provide targeted technical and coordination support to ensure effective alignment of data priorities and implementation of PoD activities in Sierra Leone, working closely with key stakeholders under the co-leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the UN Resident Coordinator. He/she will provide monthly reports on the status of implementation and progress, any key issues requiring attention of UNFPA, and recommendations and undertake the assigned tasks under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative
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You would be responsible for:
Supporting the design, planning, and execution of PoD-related activities, including the finalization of the Concept Note. Finalising the mapping of data producers within SL, the types of data produced by each, as well as the data initiatives financed by various development partners Undertaking a data needs assessment of various stakeholders in the public and private sectors Facilitating stakeholder engagements, including civil society, private sector, and development partners, to promote collaboration and ownership of the initiative. Leading the development of an event-informed national roadmap for data systems strengthening aligned with the SDGs and MTNDP. Supporting MOPED to convene a periodic technical working group meetings Providing technical inputs to reports, proposals, and presentations related to the PoD initiative. Supporting monitoring and reporting on the progress of PoD implementation. Facilitating the official high-level launch of the PoD Initiative Supporting capacity-building activities to enhance the use and governance of data at national and sub-national levels.Key Deliverables:
Inception report including a detailed work plan and stakeholder engagement strategy Detailed Map of Data Producers, data initiatives, and needs assessment report Informed by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, a detailed Roadmap for the Implementation of PoD in SL 1 Capacity-building session held on data governanceDuration:
4 months for the period ย (July - ย October 2025)
Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Masterโs degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
Knowledge and Experience:ย
Languages:ย
Fluency in spoken English and excellent writing skills in English are required.
Required Competencies:ย
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeย ย
Core Competencies:
Strategically positioning the UNFPA programme Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness. Generating, managing, and promoting the use of knowledge and information Facilitating quality programmatic resultsย
Functional Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,ย Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impactยUNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA fosters a work environment that embodies the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a 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. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, and other administrative requirements.ย
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.ย