[country or region] Human Development Report [tentative year]:
[working title: state the theme]
[date of circulation]
The statistics expert holds an important position in the preparation of the national or regional Human Development Report. The expert is charged with ensuring that the most recent and most accurate quantitative and qualitative data are used and that they are used appropriately in the analysis of the theme of the report and related issues. The theme of this HDR is [theme]. The expert should also be able to guide the team in collecting data on all the issues, in aggregating data properly and in measuring and interpreting indicators, particularly the human development indicators. The expert should therefore be versed in data collection and analysis in the disciplines associated with the theme of the report and the related issues. Moreover, the expert should carry out these responsibilities with an eye to the effectiveness of the advocacy effort and follow-up after the launch of the report.
1. Position information
Job title: statistics expert
Department: [lead unit in the UNDP Country Office, Regional Bureau, or Regional Centre]
Activity: [country or region] Human Development Report [year]: [theme]
Supervising team member: HDR team leader
Time-frame: [expected duration of contract]
Contract: special service agreement
2. Organizational context
Under the direct guidance and supervision of the leader of the report team and supported by the institutional focal point, which is usually located in the United Nations Development Programme Country Office, Regional Bureau, or Regional Centre, the statistics expert will provide technical services to ensure the quality, accuracy and consistency of the collection, analysis, use and presentation of data during the preparation of the HDR. The expert will be expected especially to see that human development indicators, particularly the Human Development Index, and indicators on inequalities are calculated and used properly in the analyses of the report. Through statistics, the specialist will also help the team assess the effects of policies in fostering or harming human development in the country or region. These tasks will likely require the expert to work closely with the relevant national statistics agency and line ministries.
3. Functions and expected outcomes
The following are the functions of the statistics expert and the outcomes expected from the work of the expert:
a. Based on the most recent data available and in cooperation with the national statistics agency, calculate and analyse the national or regional Human Development Index, the national or regional human poverty index, the national or regional gender-related development index and the national or regional gender empowerment measure. Disaggregate HDI data across geographical areas and various population groups, including age, gender and ethnic groups, so as to assist the core report team in analysing human development within the country or region. Analyse data related to alternative concepts in the measurement of human development such as the inequality-adjusted HDI, the gender inequality index and the multidimensional poverty index. Undertake data surveys on critical aspects of human development such as political freedom, empowerment, sustainability and human security. Discuss trends in the data over time. Assist the team in analysing data on the impacts of policies in areas related to human development.
b. Prepare a statistical annex or box containing a note on the methodologies used in calculating the national or regional HDI and other indicators and describing the challenges encountered, including clarifications on missing or inaccurate data. Assess the quality of previous estimates of these indicators. Where appropriate compare these estimates with the estimates developed by the report team.
c. Collect and review data relevant to the theme of the HDR, with due consideration for data disaggregation on gender, age and inequality across population groups. Prepare a background paper setting forth a thorough analysis of these data. Compare the results of the analysis with relevant findings on the situation in other countries at various levels of socio-economic development.
d. Ensure the prudent, timely and rigorous use of quantitative and qualitative data, including consistency between the data reported and analysed in the report and the overall conclusions and recommendations of the report. This will require a careful review of all background papers and all chapters submitted by colleagues and contributors, as well as the final draft of the report.
e. Supply a complete list of sources and bibliographic references on the data used in the report.
f. Participate in the launch of the report and follow-up events to respond to media inquiries and requests from the public for clarification and additional information on the human development indicators and other data and statistics used in the report.
4. Recruitment qualifications
a. Education: a recognized degree, preferably a Ph.D., in statistics, economics, or another relevant social science
b. Language requirements: excellent command of [the language of the report]; proficiency is desirable also in English or French and in [name of the major national or regional language]
c. Experience: at least 10 years of relevant experience in academia or research, with a focus on the analysis of socio-economic data and composite indices and the assessment of welfare across population groups; experience with international development organizations would be considered an asset
The statistics expert should also have demonstrated the following:
