Project Support and Coordination Consultant

The consultant will contribute to the implementation of the UNDA18 project by assessing national statistical frameworks, methodologies, data sources and compilation practices related to trade in services, digital trade and gender-related statistics in participating countries, and by preparing the technical, methodological and data requirements necessary for the implementation of TiSSTAT and the rollout of pilot data collection activities.

The consultant will support the implementation of the UNDA18 project "Better Statistics on Digital Services Trade for Gender-Responsive Trade Policies in Asia and the Pacific" through the provision of technical support related to trade in services statistics and the deployment of the Trade in Services Statistics Information System (TiSSTAT). The consultant will:

• Assessment of National Statistical Frameworks and Data Sources: Conduct assessments of national statistical frameworks, methodologies, data sources and compilation practices related to trade in services, digital trade and gender-related statistics in the participating countries, namely Bhutan, Indonesia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam and Kyrgystan. Collect and review available documentation, metadata, questionnaires, administrative data sources and statistical practices used by national institutions for the production of trade in services statistics. Identify data availability, methodological approaches, data gaps and institutional arrangements relevant for TiSSTAT implementation. Consolidate country information and prepare assessment reports and recommendations to support project implementation.
• Technical Support for TiSSTAT Implementation: Support the implementation, testing, validation and deployment of TiSSTAT in participating countries. Review country datasets and assist in preparing data structures required for integration into TiSSTAT. Document implementation issues, testing results and country-specific requirements and provide recommendations for system improvements where required. Prepare statistical technical inputs required to conduct the pilot data collection, assisting participating countries in organizing datasets and metadata required for the production of trade in services and digital trade indicators through TiSSTAT. Prepare technical documentation on data sources, compilation practices and validation procedures.
• Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building: Prepare technical materials, presentations, guidance notes and training resources related to trade in services statistics and TiSSTAT implementation. Support the delivery of technical assistance activities, workshops, training sessions and consultations with national counterparts. Provide technical guidance to national statistical offices, central banks and other relevant institutions on data compilation and reporting requirements related to TiSSTAT. Contribute to knowledge-sharing activities and the dissemination of good practices among participating countries. Prepare country assessments, technical reports, mission reports and implementation summaries related to project activities. Document lessons learned and recommendations arising from country implementation experiences. Contribute technical inputs to project budget reporting and monitoring requirements.

An advanced university degree, Master, in finance, economics, statistics, international relations, development studies, public administration or a related field is required. At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in financial analysis, data analysis, and project monitoring or follow-up, preferably in an international or regional development context is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual collaboration tools, Zoom Teams is required. Experience with financial reporting, budget tracking, or data entry is desirable. Familiarity with organizing meetings, preparing minutes, and supporting workshops or training sessions is desirable.

Fluency written and oral in English is required.