Result of Service

The consultancy will contribute to strengthening of national coordination among international development and statistical authorities, and internationally with the Regional Commission and UNCTAD Statistics, the external sector, and international development agencies. It will provide feedback on the feasibility and challenges of measuring SSC applying the Framework. In the longer term, it will enable global reporting on SDG indicator 17.3.1.

Work Location

home-based

Expected duration

2.10.23 – 30.04.24

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UNCTAD Chief of methodology and in close collaboration with the UNCTAD project officer a consultant will support the countries in the drafting of a Manual to measure South-South cooperation based on the available voluntary Conceptual Framework to measure South-South cooperation. S/he will also develop data collections tools and will establish contacts and liaise with national authorities in pilot countries to collect data and support the implementation of pilot activities. For the assignment, the consultant will get acquainted with the Conceptual Framework to measure South-South cooperation, and other relevant technical materials.

The main duties and responsibilities are as follows:
a. Support countries to review available data for reporting on SDG Indicator 17.3.1 in December 2023 and March 2024;
b. Propose potential partnerships and additional countries to be engaged on testing the Framework;
c. Support countries’ in the preparation of input for the drafting of a manual on the Framework to measure South-South cooperation;
d. Prepare tools and instructions for pilot countries to gather and process data;
e. Adjust the Manual and training materials to the requirements of pilots under pioneering country leadership, if necessary, and prepare training sessions;
f. Participation to the 2nd Expert meeting in March 2024 to present the tools and resources to be used during the pilot testing phase and provide a report of the meeting;
g. Write and publish, with the support of the communication team, short news articles on the progress of measuring SSC.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, econometrics, statistics, or in a related field is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in quantitative research or statistics on topics related to South-South cooperation, international development, economy, Foreign Direct Investments, loans activities is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of development cooperation issues and experience in working with developing country governments is required.
Experience in managing data and proficiency in statistical reporting is desirable.
Track record of related research is desirable.
Knowledge of existing frameworks adopted by national statistical offices (e.g. the System of National Accounts and the Balance of Payment) is desirable.
Work experience with national or international statistical offices, development cooperation agencies, other national authorities, research or academic institutions is desirable.
Specialized knowledge on challenges related to South-South cooperation would be an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Spanish or another UN language would be an asset.

No Fee

THE 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.