Consultant - Data Linkage

Result of ServiceBy 28 February 2026: • Output 1: A workplan outlining the approach to be taken. By 31 March 2026 • Output 2: Series of virtual training sessions for stakeholders to at least one country on the prioritized methods for deterministic and probabilistic record linkage along with basics of Python or R script. • Output 3: Concrete code relevant to the area of work as well as relevant guidance documentation on how to make use of it. • Output 4: Final report on the progress of activities as per the work assignment, with recommendations on the way forward. Work LocationThe consultant is home-based and will provide a series of training sessions to NSO staff members through web conferences and online tools. The consultant should be available for regular follow-up technical meetings after providing the training course. The consultant is expected to maintain effective and fluent communication with the NSO throughout the consultancy. Travel or commute time to and from United Nations Headquarters, as well as related expenses, are not part of the consultancy. Expected duration1 February - 31 March 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), is leading global efforts to strengthen national statistical systems through initiatives such as Data for Now and Data for SIDS (DATAS). These initiatives aims to develop countries’ capacities to deliver the information needed by local and national policy and decision makers to achieve the 2030 Agenda. To this end, it supports members of the national statistical systems in participating countries to collaborate more effectively with local, national and global partners from intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector, to leverage innovative sources, technologies and methods for the streamlined production and dissemination of better, more timely and disaggregated data to better inform decision making. Administrative data systems, when well-maintained, can provide continuous and reliable insights into a country’s population and economy, reducing response burden and improving resilience during crises. However, these data are often collected for non-statistical purposes and lack harmonized identifiers, making integration complex. Many countries face infrastructure and institutional challenges in exchanging and processing administrative data. To address these gaps, UNSD is supporting countries through practical applications of data linking techniques, including deterministic and probabilistic methods. Probabilistic linkage, in particular, is an advanced approach that national statistical offices (NSOs) need to adopt for effective integration of diverse data sources. This consultancy will focus on application-based support, tailored to country-specific priorities identified under these initiatives. The tasks to be performed by the consultant will include: • Liaise with the NSO focal person and key NSO experts to gather key internal information, going in depth on the previous technical knowledge, methodology and software used. • Provide training on source data hashing and anonymization that supports data linking across dataset. • Creation of synthetic data with guidance of the NSO to develop the codes. • Briefly document current data linking processes, internal knowledge and techniques within the NSO. • Provide feedback and guidelines to the NSO based on their advances and path to follow. • Develop concrete codes related to the data linkage work and train the NSO in how to integrate it into existing analysis and overall how to use the code. • Provide virtual training to stakeholders on basics of Python/R Script along with integrating the developed codes. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced University degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science, big data, or related field and at least 5 years of professional experience is required. Two additional years of relevant working experience maybe accepted in lieu of an advance degree. Demonstrated experience in implementing probabilistic record linkage on real data and applying different models is required. Proven skills in designing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting training initiatives is desired. Familiarity with the 2030 Agenda and the SDG indicator framework is desirable. Excellent communication, presentation, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required. Familiarity with the National Statistical Office is desirable. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage. 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.