Citizen Data National Consultant

Organizational Context

This role is a National Consultant within the UN Secretariat, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, supporting the Data For Now initiative and the Collaborative on Citizen Data. These initiatives aim to enhance countries' capacities to use innovative data for the 2030 Agenda, particularly leveraging citizen data. The position is home-based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, requiring regular virtual meetings and in-country visits.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this National Consultant role is to significantly enhance the statistical capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) within the Kyrgyz Republic, under the umbrella of the Data For Now initiative and the Collaborative on Citizen Data. This involves a primary focus on preparing a comprehensive Handbook on Capacity Building for Civil Society, specifically addressing the production and effective utilization of data. This critical resource will empower CSOs to navigate foundational statistical concepts, understand data quality, and align their work with SDG indicator methodologies, thereby strengthening their ability to generate, interpret, and document evidence. Furthermore, the consultant will be responsible for developing strategic next steps to continuously build civil society's expertise in statistics and the monitoring of local Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) data. This contribution is vital for fostering a more inclusive national data ecosystem, improving SDG reporting, and advancing the broader integration of citizen data into national statistical systems to inform policy and support community-level action.

Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities to strengthen civil society's statistical capacity. Firstly, they will lead the preparation of a comprehensive Handbook on Capacity Building for Civil Society in Kyrgyzstan. This involves meticulously selecting and systematizing existing documents, country case studies, and relevant publications into a structured, accessible format. It also includes compiling links to resources on data literacy, basic statistics production, data quality, and SDG monitoring/indicator metadata, ensuring the handbook addresses long-term capacity building needs. Secondly, the consultant is responsible for organizing and facilitating regular meetings with key partners and members. This entails preparing detailed concept notes and agendas, identifying and inviting appropriate speakers, actively advocating for the events, and meticulously managing the recording and dissemination of meeting minutes. Thirdly, the role requires developing actionable next steps to significantly increase the capacity of civil society organizations in the fields of statistics and the monitoring of local Sustainable Development Goals. Lastly, the consultant will provide crucial support for other citizen-generated data activities, including assisting Data for Now countries in implementing related initiatives. This involves initiating and sustaining discussions with National Statistical Offices and CSOs in selected countries, planning implementation strategies, and effectively engaging relevant experts and partners to achieve project objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, including statistics, economics, policies, or impact/evaluation, is required. Solid experience with traditional and non-traditional data sources and quality management, along with working with national statistical offices and international partners, is essential. Experience drafting practical guidance documents is also required. Project/programme management, citizen data experience, and knowledge of SDGs are desirable.

Skills

Key skills include developing a clear methodological approach, diplomatic communication, and effective in-country contact management. The role requires high-quality meeting organization, contributions, and reports that are reader-friendly, concise, structured, and well-written. Strong collaboration with project teams and stakeholders, along with timely delivery of outputs, is essential. Full command of spoken and written English, and Kirghiz or Russian is required, with knowledge of other UN languages being an advantage.

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