Statistician - P4

United Nations
Bangkok - Thailand
S: Competitive

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP's role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through its analytical, normative and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

This position is located in the Statistics Division.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Plans, designs and implements regional programmes in support of strengthening national statistical capacity.
• Plans and conducts normative and analytical work in selected areas of statistics. This may include the development of standards and guidance material, statistical analysis to inform decision makers, and the identification of projects through analysis of statistical development challenges at country level
• Undertakes methodological research with regard to standards on concepts, definitions and classifications to assist countries and other constituents in strengthening their statistical development.
• Initiates and co-ordinates the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data and ensures the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.
• Supervises and contributes to the development of relevant databases, web publishing tools and other software for collection, storage and distribution of statistical data.
• Develops new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projections.
• Contributes to servicing the ESCAP Committee on Statistics and Commission and follow-ups on activities emanating from their recommendations and decisions.
• Provides technical guidance and advice to other Divisions, Institutions and Offices of ESCAP as well as partner agencies in the planning, operation and evaluation of statistical programmes and projects.
Represents the Statistics Division in ESCAP corporate task forces, regional and international technical meetings as well as inter-agency initiatives, as appropriate.
• Plans and co-ordinates seminars, workshops and expert meetings in support of the overall work programme of the Division.
• Supports the Section Chief in overall planning, organization and supervision of the work of the section.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of statistical programmes to analyze and evaluate complex data. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to statistical development. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Managerial competencies

• Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology or related field. A relevant or related first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data, with in-depth and expert experience in one or more domains of population, social, economic or environmental statistics is required.

Experience in conducting technical advisory activities, training and other capacity building activities in official statistics is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required.

Job summary