ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

The African Centre for Statistics (ACS) is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Program). The Centre is responsible for improving the production, dissemination and use of quality data and comparable data and statistics in Africa to support evidence-based policymaking, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 Africa We Want. It is divided into four main sections: Economic, Infrastructure, and Agriculture Statistics; Demographics and Social Statistics; Statistical Development, Data Innovation, and Outreach; and Geospatial Information Management Systems.

These positions are located in the Demographic and Social Statistics Section of the African Centre for Statistics in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbents report to the Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics Section under the overall supervision of the Director, the African Centre for Statistics.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbents will be responsible for the following duties:

• Organizes, designs, plans and carries out the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of statistical data by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing methods for checking collected data, and selecting and implementing appropriate methods for data processing for incorporation into databases.

• Participates in the development, implementation and management of civil registration and vital statistical database(s).

• Provides training and technical support on data collection programs on civil registration and vital statistics, country practices and other related information.

• Participates in the development or revision of standards on statistical concepts, definitions and classifications by performing methodological research in civil registration and vital statistics.

• Prepares draft technical documents for international, intergovernmental and expert group meetings and assists in drafting relevant reports.

• Organizes and participates in seminars, working groups and expert meetings as a technical resource person and coordinates the implementation of the APAI-CRVS activities at national and regional levels.

• Guides, trains and supervises general service staff.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics Section and the Director of African Centre for Statistics.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of statistical principles and practices. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Job Requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in demography, population studies, epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Completion of CRVS (civil registration and vital statistics) coursework is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data from civil registration or related area is required.

• Experience working with CRVS (civil registration and vital statistics) systems is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working language of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK