Republic of Moldova

National consultants to develop metadata for the statistical indicators – Statistics Project

Vacancy Number: 79 /Pr-2009

Background:

The project on Strengthening the National Statistical System represents a joint initiative of the Government, UNDP, UNIFEM and UNFPA, coordinated by the National Bureau of Statistics, and aims at improving data collection, dissemination and use of statistical information with particular attention to national needs and overall conformity of official statistics with international standards analysis. For the proper usage of the produced data, the Project contributes to the improvement of statistical data availability through improvement of data dissemination systems, practices and tools.

The statistical metadata are the semantic definitions of the statistical data and display the multidimensional meaning of the statistical data. The aim of the metadata is to develop a common understanding of items used by statisticians for describing statistical concepts and methodologies. As a result, metadata, the descriptive data and documentation that users need to locate, access, understand, and manipulate statistical data, should be organized and made available along with the data.

Scope of work:

The United Nations Development Programme Moldova, through its Joint Project on Strengthening the National Statistical System, is to hire a group of at least 2 consultants with relevant experience in related fields who will provide the necessary conceptual and practical support in development of metadata for statistical indicators and methodologies available, priority being given to the indicators used for the monitoring of national strategic documents such as National Development Strategy, Millennium Development Goals, and other national and sector policy documents. Thus, the consultants will make statistical concepts and terms, resulted from the national context, available and understandable to data users and aligned to international standards and best practices.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

• To develop the concept, structure & methodology for compiling a unified matrix with metadata;
• On a pilot basis, to develop metadata for the core statistical indicators and related statistical surveys from 7 (seven) priority statistical areas/domains (out of those mentioned in Annex to ToR) and gain good practice and acquire lessons learned in order to improve the quality of the process at the next stage;
• When pilot stage is completed successfully, to develop documentation/description of metadata for the core statistical indicators and related statistical surveys (those which are under the responsibility of NBS and are adjusted in compliance with international standards, but are not yet properly described) for the rest 13 (thirteen) statistical domains;
• Draw up “unitary rules on the design and editing of statistical methodologies”;
• Elaborate proposals regarding making the metadata available to the public;
• Organize a presentation of the finalized database of metadata on core statistical indicators and corresponding statistical surveys for the NBS and Project staff.

Qualifications and skills required:

Education:

• Advanced degree in statistics, economics and/or other sciences relevant for the assignment;
• Other formal education relevant for the assignment;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven experience in the economic and/or social fields;
• Previous experience of project implementation in main statistical domains would be an asset;
• Experience in working with international organizations and UN agencies in particular;

Competencies and Skills:

• Knowledge of the peculiarities of statistical sector would be an advantage (statistical processes and practices, methodologies used, etc.);
• Strong analytical and writing skills;
• Excellent communications skills in oral and written Romanian and Russian;
• Good knowledge of English will be an asset;

Personal Qualities and other requirements:

• Good interpersonal skills, solid judgment/decision making, initiative and creativity;
• IT literacy and (optional) ability to operate with statistical applications;
• Availability to work with UNDP and Project’s national stakeholders during the indicated/approved period;
• Cultural and gender sensitivity.

Terms of Reference

Personal History Form (P11)

Interested persons should submit their applications, consisting of a duly completed Personal History Form (P11), Letter of interest and a Financial Proposal (fee per working day + estimated number of working days per statistical domain taking into consideration the volume of work described in ToR/Responsibilities and activities), with the mark/email subject: "Statistics – Metadata" by 28 August, 11:30 (Moldova local time), to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August 1989 Street, MD-2012 Chisinau, Moldova, or alternatively by email to vacancies-moldova@undp.org.

Only those short listed will be contacted.

Failure of candidates to submit a duly completed P11 form, as well as false representations on this form, shall constitute sufficient grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of the application. All information provided in the P11 form will be treated as strictly confidential.