Consultant on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics

Organizational Context

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), part of the UN Secretariat, is seeking a consultant to strengthen Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data-sharing practices across the Asia-Pacific region. This role supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by improving data for policymaking and public services.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to develop practical regional guidance on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data sharing for countries in Asia and the Pacific. The purpose is to address challenges such as fragmented systems, legal barriers, and privacy concerns that hinder effective data sharing. By creating comprehensive guidelines, the role will support countries in establishing secure and sustainable data-sharing mechanisms. This will enhance the completeness, quality, and timeliness of vital statistics, improve service delivery, and strengthen overall CRVS system performance, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive development.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive regional review of CRVS data-sharing practices and challenges, examining legal, institutional, operational, and technical approaches. This includes analyzing data governance, privacy, security, institutional coordination, interoperability, and data quality assurance. The consultant will develop practical CRVS Data Sharing Guidelines for the Asia-Pacific region, present draft findings and recommendations at expert meetings, and finalize the guidelines based on feedback from stakeholders. The role also involves facilitating expert review and validation of the draft guidelines, ensuring they are practical and address identified bottlenecks in data transfer and use.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience is required in providing technical assistance to strengthen national Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems. Experience with official statistics in the Asia-Pacific region is beneficial, and prior working experience with a national statistical office in this region is desirable.

Skills

Strong drafting skills, including the ability to summarize technical material, conceptualize ideas, and articulate subject matter clearly and concisely. Excellent planning, communication, and organizational skills. Understanding of official statistics in the Asia-Pacific region. Experience with CRVS systems and data sharing is implied.

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