Consultant in the Capacity Development on Sampling and Updating Sample Frames

Result of ServiceThe Libyan Bureau of Statistics and Census is to be equipped to update sampling frames, apply appropriate sampling techniques, and design methodologically sound plans for upcoming household surveys and censuses. These improvements will ensure stronger national capacity and adherence to international best practices. Work LocationRemote Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Libyan’s Bureau of Statistics and Census (BSC) is the national authority responsible for the production, dissemination, and coordination of official statistics, including population and housing censuses and household surveys. In the absence of a population and housing census since 20061, Libya faces significant challenges in maintaining updated, comprehensive sampling frames essential for the design and implementation of representative surveys2. This gap presents a serious limitation for evidence-based policymaking, national planning, and monitoring of development goals. In response to a request from the Libyan authorities, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), through its Cluster 4 on Statistics, Information Society, and Technology, is providing technical support to strengthen national statistical capacities. A key component of this support is to enhance the methodological readiness of the Bureau in designing and updating sampling frames and applying modern sampling techniques suitable for complex, post-conflict contexts where standard data sources are limited or outdated. This consultancy aims to provide tailored virtual technical assistance and capacity-building on sampling methodology, focusing on practical and scalable solutions for Libya’s unique data environment. This intervention will also contribute to the broader regional efforts to support statistical resilience and continuity in fragile and conflict-affected settings, ensuring that even under challenging circumstances, national institutions can generate quality data for inclusive and effective governance Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Bureau’s technical team and in coordination with relevant international partners, the consultant will: • Conduct a rapid assessment of available data sources in Libya that can be used to construct or update sampling frames (e.g., administrative records, past survey data, satellite imagery, gridded population datasets). • Provide guidance on methodologies for constructing interim or hybrid sampling frames. • Advise on sampling techniques suitable for the Libyan context, including stratification, cluster sampling, and weighting adjustments, taking into account population displacement and access constraints. • Develop and deliver tailored virtual training sessions on sampling theory and practice for national staff. • Review and provide feedback on sampling designs for upcoming surveys or census preparatory activities. • Support the development of technical documentation and sampling guidelines. • Provide guidance, suggest future workplan and the different steps for enhancing the capacity of the CBS in carrying out future surveys effectively. Qualifications/special skillsMasters Degree in Statistics, Demography, Population, or other social science such as epidemiology, health, sociology or education is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Experience of at least 10 years in survey sampling and design is required. Experience with NSOs, especially in fragile or data-poor contexts is desirable. Familiarity with alternative sampling frame sources (e.g. satellite or gridded data) is desirable. Knowledge of GIS tools is desirable. Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS), digital survey tools (e.g., CSPro, ODK) is desirable. Good research and drafting skills is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.