National Consultant: Census Programme Coordinator, Malawi

Organizational Context

UNFPA supports the Government of Malawi's National Statistical Office (NSO) in preparing for the 2028 Population and Housing Census. This critical exercise will provide data for evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of national development goals and SDGs. UNFPA's mandate focuses on ensuring every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the ICPD Programme of Action and SDGs.

Job Purpose

The Census Programme Coordinator will provide strategic, operational, and technical support for the 2028 Population and Housing Census in Malawi. This role is crucial for ensuring overall census preparedness, coordinating technical and operational workstreams, engaging stakeholders, monitoring implementation, and mobilizing resources. The objective is to strengthen the NSO's capacity for successful census delivery, ensuring timely, efficient, and high-quality data collection and dissemination, ultimately enhancing access to statistics for informed decision-making and development planning.

Responsibilities

The consultant will oversee day-to-day project operations and coordinate with the NSO project team for efficient resource utilization. Responsibilities include facilitating the preparation and implementation of work plans, coordinating all census activities, and supporting key technical streams such as cartography, digital systems, field operations, data processing, and dissemination. The role involves building linkages with government agencies, UNFPA, NGOs, and international organizations, and supporting the Census Steering Committee. Resource mobilization, coordination with development partners, and developing operational procedures for timely implementation are also key. The consultant will support digital census innovations, ensure gender is considered, monitor implementation, resolve problems, and develop a risk mitigation framework. Tracking milestones, indicators, and dashboards, and supporting the planning for dissemination and use of census products are also integral to the role.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 2 years of project management experience in international development or population and development in Malawi, with familiarity with the census process. Experience coordinating large-scale statistical operations, census activities, digital data systems, or multi-stakeholder development programmes is advantageous. Knowledge of UNFPA procedures is a plus.

Skills

Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting. Demonstrated capacity to coordinate complex operations, manage stakeholder relationships, and support evidence-based planning. Strong knowledge of MW2063, MIP-1, and SDG monitoring frameworks. Proficiency in MS Office. Familiarity with CAPI software (e.g., CSPro) and AI-driven mapping techniques is desirable.

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