Statistics Officer (Microdata)

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Statistics for Development Division (SDD) is based in SPC’s headquarter in Noumea, New Caledonia. The division employs approximately 20 staff all of whom are all based in Noumea. SDD’s goal is to strengthen the capacity of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) national statistical systems by providing technical support through coordination with technical partners and donors. As part of SDD’s role and functions, it has adopted a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role as well as strengthening its technical assistance and support to data collection, analysis and dissemination.

The role - the Statistics Officer (Microdata) will have the following key responsibilities:

1. Management and development of the Pacific Data Hub – Microdata Library including aspects relating to data governance and policy, and technical aspects relating to database management and development

• Lead technical assistance to PICT NSOs and other custodians of Pacific development microdata in data curation and use initiatives.
• Provide assistance to support processes relating to metadata production and publication, and microdata curation. Produce and publish metadata for the core set of censuses and surveys that occurred in the PICTs under the 2030 Agenda (2015 – 2030). 
• Anonymise and curate microdata in accordance with international methodologies.
• Manage and maintain a catalogue of data license agreements and microdata access requests, releases and related communication. 
• Strengthen capacity in relation to, and advocate for, microdata liberation.
• Lead the implementation of capacity building initiatives in areas relating to PDH-ML.

2. Microdata standardisation, analysis and dissemination, including mentoring and policy advice

• Lead the production of a series of standardised cross-regional statistical tables across numerous statistical subject matter.
• Produce key development indicators and support their documentation and dissemination through the Pacific Data Hub. 
• Using census data, produce policy oriented statistical dissemination products across numerous statistical subject matter.
• Using survey data produce policy oriented statistical dissemination products across numerous statistical subject matter.
• Lead the implementation of capacity building initiatives in areas relating to microdata analysis and indicator compilation.

3. Technical input to activities relating to the implementation of national population censuses and household surveys, including analysis, reporting and dissemination of resulting microdata

• Technical assistance and counterparting with PICT Government Statisticians and Statistics Officers in relation to pre-census and survey technical activities, including sampling and study design; in relation to census and survey implementation, including training of statistical counterparts in PICTs; in relation to census and survey data processing, quality control.
• Manage the curation of the final dataset for all censuses and surveys that SDD is responsible for processing and ensure that all related data processing programmes are curated and that they can be run from start to finish to produce the final dataset.
• Produce census and survey statistical tables and indicators, census and survey reports and statistical outputs.
• Lead the implementation of capacity building initiatives in areas relating to implementation of national population censuses and household surveys.

4. Contribute to SDD team environment and SDD/SPC corporate activities

• In collaboration with SDD team members, develop and implement a multi-year programme
• Input to SPC’s Integrated Programing Initiatives and other SPC divisions, including the Pacific Data Hub.  Ongoing intra-SPC collaboration in areas relating to the Pacific Data Hub – Microdata Library, microdata standardisation and dissemination and census and surveys.
• Ongoing collaboration with development partners (e.g., World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO, ILO, Paris 21, University of Wollongong).

5. Contributing to SDD System Leader function/external stakeholder engagement, partnership and collaboration and technical input to Pacific statistics development

• There is effective cross-programme collaboration and willingness to work with colleagues in other SPC programme divisions
• SDD and the region are professionally represented in international technical working groups and other meetings etc. relating to statistics.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Statistics, Economics or Data Science.

2. Technical expertise

• Nine to ten years of demonstrated experience working in the areas of data curation, analysis, dissemination, data processing, capacity building and census and surveys in the Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience in the formation of data policy and governance.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including the use of econometric software, such as Stata R and Python; high level competency in metadata production in accordance with international standards (DDI and Dublin Core) and using metadata software (e.g., Nesstar Publisher and Survey Solutions); high level competency in anonymization methods and measurement if individual risk disclosure.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex tasks, including a track record of building partnerships and collaborations across institutional boundaries.
• Demonstrated track record in publishing statistical and policy oriented products.
• Competence in writing and delivering technical reports.

3. Language skills

• Fluency in English.  Excellent writing, presentational and communication skills in English.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Good interpersonal skills, team player with ability to network and effectively work in a multicultural setting.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until the 31st of December 2024 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Statistics Officer (Microdata) is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,490-4,267 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 510,921-624,563 (USD 4,852-5,931; EUR 4,282-5,234). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8 % of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 5 December 2021 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: AL000347

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. Please describe your experience in metadata production and dissemination, and database management.
2. What are some challenges associated with microdata dissemination and use, especially in the context of the Pacific Small Island Developing States?
3. As opposed to national microdata libraries, what are the benefits of a centralised microdata repository, such as the Pacific Data Hub – Microdata Library, for SPC’s members?