Result of Service

NA

Work Location

Amman

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND

The need to appoint a Statistical Consultant within the Department of Relief and Social Services at UNRWA is underscored by the deeply entrenched humanitarian situation in several of UNRWA’s operational fields. Due to the significantly depressed economic situation, particularly in three of the five fields of UNRWA operation, combined with fragile governance contexts, UNRWA remains the first humanitarian assistance provider for Palestine refugees in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. Poverty rates exceed 80 per cent in these three fields, suggesting that assistance be provided to the majority of the population to alleviate severe pressures on household economies. The multiplier effects of providing near universal assistance offers relief for wider populations including hosts that may be equally affected.
The current war on Gaza has led to a surge in displacement, tragic loss of life, and extensive damage to critical infrastructure. The conflict creates an urgent need for response and to ensure safe access to humanitarian aid. The situation in Gaza is fluid and characterized by rapidly evolving needs, necessitating timely and precise responses. In this challenging and dynamic environment, the importance of data-driven decision-making cannot be overstated. UNRWA relies on accurate and up-to-date information to effectively allocate resources, plan interventions, and assess the impact of its relief programs.
The Relief and Social Services Department at UNRWA conducts numerous surveys each year to monitor the social and economic conditions of Palestine refugees, as well as the distribution processes of UNRWA’s cash and food assistance. To enhance the security and utility of this crucial data, there is an urgent need to reform the current data collection, storage, and analysis procedures through centralization and platform review. Additionally, mechanisms must be established to provide donors with regular updates on key poverty indicators and to monitor the impact of UNRWA’s relief programs. This position is vital to ensuring that UNRWA continues to provide effective and impactful assistance, particularly in the context of the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader economic challenges facing Palestine refugees.
It is imperative that the selected candidate be ready to commence their duties without delay. The urgency of the situation, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the pressing needs of Palestine refugees, necessitates an immediate start. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to be prepared to assume their responsibilities at the earliest possible opportunity.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Relief and Social Services Department, the consultant will provide recommendations for the revision of data collection and presentation methods and statistical analysis for specific Relief projects.

Specific deliverables related to this consultancy are:

• Provide technical guidance, capacity building and quality assurance measures for survey data collection for High frequency surveys monitoring the living conditions of Palestine refugees in UNRWA five fields of operation.

• Provide recommendations for the harmonization and analysis of living condition surveys, adopting appropriate methodologies, including calculation of poverty rates and development of vulnerability profiles, as required for in-kind and cash-based transfer planning design.

• Propose key indicators for the post monitoring distribution survey and create instructions for the development of relevant dashboards

• Undertake additional statistical research activities, including triangulation between survey, registration and relief databases, to support evidence base decision making by addressing information needs for programme planning, monitoring, targeting and impact assessment purposes for socio-economic surveys.

• Participates in UN inter-agency working groups and keeps track of demographic, social and economic data availability as far as relevant to UNRWA operations.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or Equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in statistics, demography, economics, social or political science or other applied fields with great quantitative analysis and research methods component. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a specific educational background in the relevant field.

Outstanding quantitative and critical thinking skills.

2 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic, government, NGO or UN context involving the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data, preferably with a focus on calculation of poverty rates and development of vulnerability profiles is required.

Advanced knowledge of survey methods and statistical software (such as Stata, SPSS, SAS, R, and alike) is required

Familiarity with the UNRWA’s operations and the Palestinian refugee situation is a plus.

Competencies:

1. Ability to collect, validate and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
2. Advance analytical skills and ability to conduct independent research
3. Ability to design, manage and implement qualitative and quantitative data
4. Excellent writing and analytical skills
5. Excellent skills in communication with ability to formulate strategies and concepts

Languages

Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Additional Information

1. The duration of the assignment is 6 months, starting in November 2023.
2. The assignment is office-based at HQ Amman.
3. Remuneration will be set at P2 level (USD 5,140 per month)
4. The Consultant will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Deputy Director of Relief and Social Services

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.