Non-Resident Consultant, Statistics-Methods Consultant (Level B) → UNIDIR

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research—an autonomous institute within the United Nations—conducts research on disarmament and security. The Institute explores current issues pertaining to a variety of existing and future armaments, global diplomacy and local tensions and conflicts. Working with researchers, diplomats, government officials, NGOs and other institutions since 1980, UNIDIR acts as a bridge between the research community and Member States.

UNIDIR’s Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC) Project seeks to understand how and why people exit armed groups, disarm and fully and sustainable transition into civilian life. The project’s work advances UNIDIR’s mandate, particularly with regard to enhancing the international community’s knowledge of micro-disarmament and the interventions that promote it.

Responsibilities and outputs

Within the project, the Research Consultant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Project Lead:

Research design and analysis:

• Be available to consult on analytical modelling decisions in the design phase as necessary
• Provide peer review of statistical analyses (by reviewing the R code and replicating results as needed).
• Periodically review sections of drafts where the results are written up to ensure the interpretation is in line with the statical findings

The team will endeavour to alert the consultant of requests a week in advance.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the consultancy

The non-resident consultant shall support the creation of the following outputs and activities for UNIDIR:

• Up to 24 days of work on analytical modellings, statistical analyses and review of drafts.

Expected duration, remuneration and payment terms of assignment

The non-resident consultant will:

• Be engaged for up to 12 months;
• Receive USD 400 per day, up to a maximum of 24 days for USD 9,600 of compensation, for the completion of all tasks.
• The consultant is also required to submit invoices indicating (1) Exact title or description of work and (2) Number of hours/days worked to UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget and Administration section.

Performance indicators for evaluation of services provided:

Assignments described above are completed to the satisfaction of the UNIDIR’s Head of Project and the Institute’s Senior Management. The non-resident consultant will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators include:

• Deadlines for delivery of agreed outputs are met.
• Outputs are provided in the form and quality requested by UNIDIR.
• Key deliverables are addressed to the satisfaction of UNIDIR.
• Professional engagement is cooperative and positive.

In addition, in this role, the non-resident consultant will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

The non-resident consultant is to demonstrate at all times the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism,Integrity and Respect for Diversity.

Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

An advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, statistics studies, or a relevant field is required. A PhD is desirable.

b. Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in field research.
• Experience in consulting on analytical modelling decisions during the research design phase, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance is required.
• Proven track record in conducting peer reviews of statistical analyses, including reviewing R code, validating methodologies and replicating results as needed is required.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical outputs, including verifying and refining statistical interpretations in research drafts to ensure accuracy and consistency with findings is required.
• A strong background in applying research ethical standards and adapting analytical approaches to diverse operational contexts is required.
• Existing relationships with practitioners, policymakers and key stakeholders in relevant fields are desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.

c. Language (s)

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.

Travel

Travels are not anticipated as part of this assignment.

Budget for the contract

The consultant is required to submit invoices indicating (1) Exact title or description of work and (2) Number of days worked to UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget and Administration section.

Copyright

All outputs will be edited, fact- and language-checked by UNIDIR. UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents, as well as ownership of the intellectual property resulting from work carried out under this assignment. The consultant warrants that all written outputs are original works or that where they incorporate copyrighted material from another source, this information is cited correctly and the necessary permission for its use is obtained. The consultant is to provide UNIDIR with written documentation, where applicable, together with the written outputs.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: MEAC Statistics-Methods Consultant” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 4 March 2025. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.