Background:

Liberia's statistical capacity has been severely impacted by years of civil war. The country lacks critical baseline data and the infrastructure for effective data collection and analysis. The government has just drawn up a new development plan for the period 2025-2029. This strategic initiative involves several challenges, including providing the information required for its implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national and international
development strategies and programmes. To meet this challenge and ensure that the statistical base provides the essential support to the planning process and the implementation of the new development agenda, the country needs to adopt a new national strategy for the development of statistics (NSDS) in line with the new national development plan. A robust National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) is crucial for rebuilding this capacity, coordinating statistical activities, and ensuring the availability of reliable and accurate data for informed decision-making.

Purpose of consultancy:

The consultancy generally focuses on the development of a comprehensive and sustainable National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) in Liberia and strengthening the capacity of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS).

Scope of work:

All governments need good statistics, but in developing countries, the need is even more important. Because resources are very limited, they must be used effectively and efficiently; good statistics are necessary to do this. There is an increasing consensus internationally that development in many countries, especially the poorest, has faltered in the past because development efforts did not focus on results. 

Many developing countries have weak statistical systems and mechanisms for measuring results. Good, reliable statistics are essential for measuring progress in reaching development goals and provide essential information about the effectiveness of policies and programmes. They help governments improve their policies and to be transparent and accountable about the delivery of development results.

The NSDS is a framework, a process, and a product built through the collective and coordinated work of the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS). NSDS is a government-owned strategy and is used for the benefit of the country. A framework from which the strategic planning is outlined for the statistical development.

Key Deliverables:

• A work plan and an inception report
• A draft NSDS for review and validated
• A final NSDS, including executive summary and PowerPoint presentation

Duration and working schedule:

The duration of the consultancy is for 60 working days, beginning the first week of May 2025.

Place where services are to be delivered:

The NSDS will be developed within Monrovia, Montserrado County, the main station of the consultant. The consultant will work in the UNFPA and LISGIS premises.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy, etc.):

The consultant is expected to initiate and complete the NSDS within 60 working days.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements:

Education
The consultant must have at least a university degree (Master Degree) in statistics, demography, development economics, or any other degree deemed equivalent;

Experience

• The consultant must have at least ten (10) years; experience in managing or participating in missions in the field of statistics. Extensive experience in developing national statistical strategies, policies, and plans
• Proven professional experience in formulating policies and strategies, particularly in the field of statistics.
• Proven ability to consult with the various donors involved in the national statistical system as well as with the national side 
• An excellent understanding of statistical issues in Liberia
• Experience of similar assignments in Africa
• Excellent writing and organizational skills in workshop facilitation
• Excellent analytical skills and a high capacity to synthesize information.
• A thorough knowledge of the United Nations system in general and of UNFPA in particular would be an asset. 
• Fluency in English and familiarity with the West African Region

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:

All interested applicants should submit the following.

• Letter of expression of interest
• CV with evidence of qualifications and experience
• Samples of reports from previous similar assignments undertaken (optional)
• Detailed technical and financial proposal (to be negotiated)

How to Apply:

Applicants can submit their application with a current CV detailing relevant qualifications and experience to the following email addresses: mulumba@unfpa.org and neblett@unfpa.org.
The deadline for the application is 29 April 2025.

YOU MAY DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR MORE INFORMATION  

Notice: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNFPA does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase of the selection process.