The Position and Job Purpose:
The statistical system in the Syrian Arab Republic faces significant challenges in providing the much-needed statistical data at this stage, due to the circumstances the country has experienced over the past decade. This necessitates rebuilding the statistical system and strengthening national statistical capacities to implement a comprehensive statistical program, particularly activities related to preparations for a comprehensive population and housing census. A population census is a crucial and fundamental tool for reconstruction, development, and institutional building. It includes an integrated statistical system and the provision of statistical frameworks for planning and conducting specialized sample surveys. This data is essential for providing accurate and comprehensive information that contributes to social accounts and national income calculations, supporting national development efforts and effective planning for infrastructure development and basic services. It also facilitates the allocation and distribution of resources by providing data on the basic demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the population, its geographical distribution, and its administrative region. Furthermore, it contributes to facilitating preparations for legislative elections and other pillars of the democratic transition and social justice process. In the absence of population censuses in the Syrian Arab Republic since 2004, and given the lack of a comprehensive population and housing registry system, and considering the urgent need of the Syrian government at this stage to provide high-quality population data for planning and reconstruction purposes, the relevant authorities are working to conduct a rapid population census that takes into account international recommendations and meets national objectives. This census also aims to provide data on the numbers and characteristics of Syrians abroad whenever possible, particularly in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. Within this framework, and in cooperation with the Planning and Statistics Commission, and in line with the policies and guidelines of the United Nations/United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and in full compliance with applicable international standards and recommendations for conducting population censuses, a national advisor will be selected and appointed to support the Planning and Statistics Commission in preparing for the implementation of a rapid census in the coming period (2026).
UNFPA acts as a strategic partner, providing expert input and oversight to ensure the census meets international standards and serves national development goals, all managed through coordinated supervision with the national statistical office.
Duration: 11 months: January 15, 2026 – November 15, 2026.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
You would be responsible for:
The national adviser will work closely with the Planning and Statistics Commission and UNFPA in the following areas
Planning and Coordination :
Providing advice and technical support to the Planning and Statistical Commission (PSC) and the UNFPA representative in monitoring the planning and implementation of the census. Reviewing and advising on the technical documents available at this stage regarding the targeted census, including the memorandum on the census concept, the project document, the implementation plan, the resource mobilization strategy, quality control plans, the publicity, advocacy, and communication plan, the human resources plan, and other documents. Contributing to necessary amendments and revisions or developing new documents as needed, in accordance with international standards. Supporting the Planning and Statistics Commission and overseeing the development of a detailed work plan for all primary and secondary census activities, monitoring its implementation, and tracking the outputs and milestones of the main and sub-phases, as well as monitoring the fulfilment of coordination needs.Preparing the technical requirements and inputs for developing plans to mobilize the necessary human, financial, and logistical resources
Technical Aspects.
Working with the national team at the Commission on preparing substantive proposals for the census planning and implementation methodology, identifying the nature of priority data that the census can provide, and translating these proposals into preliminary census questionnaires for approval and piloting before final adoption. Providing support to the PSC in various aspects of conducting the census, including census management and planning, census methodology, information and communication. technology infrastructure, data collection and processing, mapping and geographic information systems, logistics, procurement and recruitment, training, quality assurance and control, communication and publicity, scheduling, analysis, and dissemination. Providing recommendations for risk management and quality assurance throughout all phases of the census. Providing advice on organizing and coordinating census monitoring by a team of independent experts from within and outside the country. Providing technical support for preparing data evaluation, analysis, and tabulation plans, as well as relevant data collection and processing guidelines, to ensure consistency and coverage across all elements of the census questionnaire, in accordance with international standards.Capacity Building
Providing support in preparing the National Capacity Building Plan and organizing census-related training courses (training of master trainers, training of trainers, researchers, and supervisors, in addition to other training) and coordinating with governorate and district offices to ensure that training venues are well-equipped for data collectors. Supporting the Planning and Statistics Commission (PSC) in preparing workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance the commitment and participation of national and international stakeholders in the census process. Supporting the planning, organization, implementation, and management of training activities for the PSC as needed. Providing support in organizing and maintaining a documentation system for archiving and accessing census and related documents. Providing support in organizing a mechanism to ensure the quality of data collection. Performing other tasks that the PSC may request regarding relevant aspects of the censusDelivery dates and how work will be delivered: according to the following timeline, are as follows: • A technical readiness assessment report for the PSC to conduct the census, including recommendations and approved by the Commission and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Timeframe: Within the first month of the contract. • Technical input on the census methodology and tools. Timeframe: Before the pilot census is conducted. • A training plan and training materials to be used in field training sessions. Timeframe: Before the start of field training activities. • The number of trainees qualified to support the census implementation. Timeframe: During the census implementation period. • Technical recommendations for a quality assurance and risk management system. Timeframe: Before the start of data collection. • A final report, approved by the Planning and Statistics Commission and UNFPA, summarizing the technical support and its impact on overall census preparedness. Timeframe: Within two months of the project's completion.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
Master's or PhD degree in Statistics, Demography, Geography, or a related field. Experience: At least 7-10 years of experience in managing and conducting population censuses, particularly in emergency environments, with a strong track record of producing analytical reports. Extensive experience in population statistics, census methodologies (enumeration, sampling), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for distribution maps, and emergency data analysis. Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for census activities. Fluency in Arabic and/or English is essential. Skills: Proficiency in GIS software (such as ArcGIS/QGIS), statistical analysis software (SPSS/R), and CSPro, with strong communication skills in both Arabic and English.
Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
Core Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.