International Consultancy - Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Expert, WCARO, Dakar, Senegal

Background

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in West and Central Africa is crucial for tracking Sustainable Development Goals, as it captures key life events like births, marriages, and deaths. The region faces significant challenges, including limited coverage, data quality issues, institutional weaknesses, and socio-cultural barriers hindering registration. Improving CRVS systems is essential for effective public policy formulation and demographic monitoring. In this context, UNFPA WCARO seeks an international consultant with expertise in CRVS to develop guidelines for registering vital events, offering a six-month consultancy contract to the most qualified candidate based on cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Purpose of consultancy

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Facilitate high-level engagement: Foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector, to promote the importance of strong CRVS systems.
• Support the strengthening of CRVS systems: Provide technical expertise and guidance to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of CRVS systems, ensuring they meet international standards and national needs.

Develop a strategic roadmap: Assist in the development of a comprehensive roadmap outlining the steps necessary to strengthen CRVS systems, including policy reforms, institutional arrangements, and resource allocation.

Scope of work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Stakeholder analysis: Identify and engage key stakeholders nationally to CRVS system strengthening.
2. High-level engagement: Organize and facilitate high-level meetings, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness of CRVS issues and promote policy dialogue.
3. Technical assistance: Provide technical support to government agencies and relevant institutions in areas such as:
   • Facilitate training workshop
   • Produce manuals and guidelines
   • Data collection and management
   • Civil registration processes
   • Vital statistics analysis
   • Quality assurance and standards

Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Comprehensive assessment of CRVS systems in the region
• Regional framework for CRVS system strengthening
• National-level support plans for individual countries
• Training materials, evaluation reports and guidelines
• Final consultancy report

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree, preferably PhD,  in statistics, demography, public health or a related field
• Proven experience in CRVS system development and implementation
• Strong understanding of international standards and best practices in CRVS
• Experience in working with diverse stakeholders in developing countries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Fluency in English and/or French.

The individual shall include a short summary highlighting the following: 

• Evidence of previous similar work. 
• Knowledge of, or work experience in civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) Systems. 
• A detailed plan of work, with deliverables and timelines. 
• A detailed financial proposal in US Dollars.

Samples to include: 

A minimum of one, and a maximum of three examples of similar services provided in the past 5 years: and For each example, brief description of services provided by the offeror, as well as the name and contact information of the client’s main contact for the services provided and link to the publication where possible.

Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within six months.

Place where services are to be delivered 

Home based with possible travel to West African countries.

Reporting and Monitoring

The consultant will report to the Population and Data Advisor and will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation. The consultant will submit monthly progress reports summarizing activities, achievements, and challenges encountered. The Population and Data Advisor will conduct regular meetings with the consultant to review progress, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with project objectives.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

All applications should be sent before the deadline to banougnin@unfpa.org with the consultancy title as the subject.