Population Data Officer

About the Role

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) acts as the principal UN agency aiming to ensure every pregnancy is intended, every birth is secure, and young individuals can realize their full potential. This role is stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, within UNFPA's Data and Analytics Branch under the Programme Division. The Population Data Officer will focus on producing Common Operational Datasets on Population Statistics (COD-PS), delivering subnational population estimations for enhanced humanitarian response and preparedness efforts. The position also contributes to developing and maintaining technical standards for dataset production, quality control, and dissemination.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate subnational population estimates for designated countries using UNFPA prescribed methodologies and preferred data repositories.
• Perform data processing, cleansing, and adjustments of population datasets with R programming, formatting outcomes in the standard COD-PS structure.
• Create and update documentation detailing methodologies and comparative analyses with alternative population estimates.
• Maintain technical documentation on platforms like GitHub following UNFPA's standard templates and tools.
• Assist in refining and updating technical guidance related to COD-PS production, quality assurance, and dissemination processes.
• Develop and enhance population datasets to aid humanitarian response planning and disaster readiness.
• Collaborate technically with partners including OCHA, Humanitarian Data Exchange, and UNFPA Country and Regional Offices.
• Upload vetted COD-PS updates to the UNFPA Population Data Portal and to the OCHA Humanitarian Data Exchange platforms.
• Contribute to enhancing technical guidance and support materials for field teams of UNFPA and OCHA.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• At least 3 years of related professional experience, with a track record in applied statistics, public health, epidemiology, or demography.
• Proficiency in descriptive statistics, multivariate regression analysis, cohort-component population projections, and demographic forecasting.
• Advanced skills in statistical programming languages such as R or equivalents like Stata or SPSS.
• Experience using GitHub or similar version-control systems.
• Expertise in data analysis, population statistics, and managing population data sets.
• Strong interpersonal abilities, effective communication, networking skills, and capability to work collaboratively.
• Bachelor's degree in Demography, Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Sociology, Economics, Computer Science, or closely related fields; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Fluent English required; proficiency in French, Arabic, and/or Spanish is advantageous.

Additional Information

UN Volunteers engage on a full-time basis, offering a benefits package including a monthly living allowance to support a secure standard of living at the duty station. This position is located in Nairobi, Kenya, requiring onsite presence.