National Consultant: Census Data Analysis and Reporting Expert

The Background:

• The 2026 Population and Housing Census will generate a comprehensive dataset critical for evidence-based policymaking and development planning in Sierra Leone. Transforming processed census data into actionable insights requires advanced statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting aligned with international standards.
  
• This consultancy will support Statistics Sierra Leone in producing high-quality census outputs, including statistical tables, analytical reports, and dissemination materials.

• Conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analysis
• Generate key demographic and socio-economic indicators
• Segment data by geographic, demographic, and socio-economic variables

• Work with cleaned datasets to produce analytical tables
• Support validation of tabulated outputs for consistency

• Support the preparation of the initial pilot census report
• Contribute to thematic reports (e.g. population structure, fertility, migration)
• Ensure outputs align with UN and national reporting standards

• Develop charts, graphs, and infographics
• Support clear communication of findings

• Contribute to policy briefs and summary reports
• Highlight key findings relevant to national development priorities

• Participate in and support training of Stats SL staff
• Support knowledge transfer on:
• Data analysis techniques * Report writing * Data visualization

• Work closely with the Data Processing Consultant
• Provide feedback on data quality issues
• Participate in technical working sessions and dissemination activities

• Reports to: Director of Data Science (Statistics Sierra Leone)
• Technical oversight: UNFPA
• Works closely with the National Census Coordinator, CTA, and Data Processing

• The national consultant will work in the country (Statistics Sierra Leone)
• Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy, etc.):
• The final report will be available no later than 19th July 2026 and is to be provided in electronic format.
• The Consultant will progressively report on the accomplished tasks to UNFPA and Stats SL
• The reports will be reviewed by UNFPA before submission to the Stats SL.
• Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format, and deadline:
• Weekly meetings will be organized to monitor the progress, address bottlenecks control, including reporting requirements;
• The reports of the consultants shall be submitted in the course of the assignment and will constitute the basis for the payment to be made.

• The consultant will be stationed at Stats SL and will work under the overall guidance of the Statistician General and the direct supervision of the Director of Data Science. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with the Census Coordinator, CTA, and concerned staff members, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality census data processing and analysis workflow.

• The consultant must not download, share, or distribute census data without the explicit knowledge and approval of the Statistician General and the Director of Data Science.
• Ensure that all data remains confidential and is used strictly for the purposes of the analysis and reporting.
• Maintain the highest level of integrity and security in handling census data, ensuring compliance with data protection policies and best practices.
• The consultant will be provided with an official email account from the Stats SL email server, which will be linked to the name of the consultant. This email will be used for all official communication during his/her time in contract

• At least an Advanced Degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science, or any other relevant discipline from a recognized University;
• Knowledge and Experience
• At least five (5) years' experience processing household survey data captured using tablets for computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and Survey Solutions software;
• At least ten (10) years demonstrated professional experience conducting quality assurance of household-based surveys, and population censuses, data processing, systems design and data archiving;
• At least five (5) years of experience working with the following statistical and demographic analysis software: CSPRO and SPSS. Knowledge of Python or R would be an asset;
• Good knowledge of existing technology and modern equipment in the census data processing, and of the challenging situations of developing countries in relation to population census.
• Proven experience in planning and implementation of Census data processing, and technical capacity building/training in developing countries.
• Proven experience in teamwork, especially in the field of population censuses.
• Experience in leading teams in a complex multi-cultural environment is desirable.
• Fluent spoken and written English is essential.