Statistician – Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)

• Organization: UNDP Saudi Arabia, through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC).
• VA No. VA25-12
• Position Title: Statistician – Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)
• Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Recruitment Type: International Consultancy
• Duration: 10 months with possibility of extension
• Vacancy Date of Issue: 24 March 2025
• Vacancy Closure Date: 30 March 2025
• Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible

This vacancy is announced by UNDP Saudi Arabia through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC). SOC is a sub-contractor for UNDP Saudi Arabia, assisting the programme in implementing their activities through HR and contract management of consultants working in their support.

1. General background information relevant to the assignment

Saudi Arabia has realized and sustained, for the last four decades, a remarkable progress along the socio-economic development path. It has been an epic socio-economic development in which all sectors of the economy contributed and benefited. As a result of this, the Kingdom has been able to move from an underdeveloped status to a high-income country with all the means of a promising and sustainable future. The GDP, for instance, increased from SR156 billion in 1969 to SR2,631 billion in 2018, putting the economy among the top 20 global economies in term of size. This is cogent evidence of the socio-economic advancement taken place in all sectors Based on the annual ranking of the Human Development Index (HDI) of the Human Development Report, Saudi Arabia has steady moved from the middle-income category in the 1990s to the very high-income category in 2018 at 0.857 value of HDI .

The Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious resolve with long-term goals and expectations founded on the strengths and capabilities of the Kingdom. It has been addressing the three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A thorough review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern would reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environmental.

Saudi Arabia has expressed its earnest commitment to achieve the SDGs. It recognizes that such commitment requires rigorous, instant and continuous monitoring for which quality statistics is a must. In this respect, UNDP Country Office, Riyadh, is keen to support the Government by providing professional support to various areas of statistics’ collection, analysis and validation.

2. The objectives of the assignment

The Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will provide substantive technical advice with focus on project management support to the implementation of the project “Institutional Support to Statistics”.

3. Scope of Work, Deliverables, and Activities

• Strategic Project Planning and Implementation:

• Develop, implement, and continuously update Project Work Plans aligned with the strategic priorities of Social, Economic, and Spatial & Resources directorates.
• Coordinate and monitor progress through integrated tracking and reporting systems that ensure timely delivery and cross-departmental alignment.

• Innovative Statistical Methodologies:

• Adapt and innovate statistical methods to address complex, programmatic challenges across governance, energy, environment, and other key sectors.
• Design research methodologies that employ validated scientific techniques to collect and analyze data on baselines, historical trends, and emerging patterns.

• Research Design and Analytical Rigor:

• Develop, test, and refine experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods tailored to the unique requirements of each statistical domain.
• Evaluate existing data collection methods to ensure validity, efficiency, and accuracy, and recommend process improvements where necessary.

• Advanced Theoretical Applications:

• Examine and apply advanced statistical theories—such as probability and inference—to identify and develop innovative methods for data collection and analysis.
• Design targeted data collection strategies for specific projects, including determining optimal sample sizes and techniques.

• Data Analysis and Visualization:

• Utilize advanced statistical modeling and data visualization tools to analyze data and present results through clear graphs, charts, and tables that facilitate strategic decision-making.
• Establish and monitor measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the impact and efficiency of statistical processes.

• Team Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Supervise and provide guidance to staff involved in data collection, tabulation, and analysis, ensuring adherence to best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and develop standard operating procedures to build internal capacity and ensure the sustainability of enhanced statistical practices.

• Process Engineering and Business Development:

• Implement process engineering initiatives to streamline data workflows, improve operational efficiency, and reduce turnaround times.
• Engage in consultative processes with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for business development and innovative enhancements in statistical products.

• Risk Management and Quality Assurance:

• Develop and apply risk management frameworks to anticipate, address, and mitigate potential challenges in data collection and analysis.
• Verify and reconcile statistics to ensure consistency system-wide, thereby safeguarding data integrity and accuracy.

4. The duration of the assignment

10 months with possibility of extension.

5. The duty station and expected places of travel, if any

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

6. Travel Plan

One round trip ticket will be provided.

Any change to the preliminary travel plan/schedule hereunder, in such cases, UNDP will cover travel costs in accordance with corporate regulations and rules.

• Consultant shall provide the Reimbursable Lump Sum of travel cost. UNDP will process the payment upon actual receipts provided for the ticket (should not exceed the unit price provided in the financial offer) and boarding passes/passport stamps (entry and exit) for each travel;

• The unit price for tickets should be provided on most direct economic class (business and first-class airfare are not permitted as per UNDP rules and regulations);

• Payments will be made upon confirmation of UNDP of satisfactory performance;

• Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://dss.un.org/.

If unforeseen travel outside the consultant workstation city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate consultant’s travel outside Riyadh on official missions where necessary.

7. Reporting Requirements, Frequency, Format, and Deadlines

• Location & Daily Coordination:

• The CTA will be based at the General Authority for Statistics and will work closely with the NPM on a daily basis, ensuring seamless coordination and immediate resolution of operational issues.

• Bi-Weekly Updates:

• The CTA is required to provide bi-weekly updates to the UNDP Programme Analyst. These updates should be delivered via scheduled meetings or written communications and must highlight key milestones, emerging challenges, opportunities for process improvements, and insights that support cross-departmental integration.

• Quarterly Progress Reporting:

• A comprehensive progress report must be submitted on a quarterly basis. This report should:
  • Be prepared in alignment with the established Work Plan.
  • Include detailed analyses of achieved outputs against KPIs.
  • Assess risks and challenges encountered, along with proposed mitigation strategies.
  • Provide recommendations for enhancing operational efficiency, capacity building, and long-term sustainability.
  • Incorporate insights on process re-engineering and potential business development opportunities relevant to the transformation agenda.

• Standardized Formats:

• The exact format and templates for both the bi-weekly updates and quarterly progress reports will be provided by the UNDP Programme Analyst. These formats will ensure consistency and facilitate effective communication across stakeholders.

8. Required Qualifications:

a. Education

Recognized degree (preferably master’s level) in statistics, economics or other social sciences.

b. Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the academia or research institutions, focus on analysis of socio-economic data, composite indices and well-being assessment Relevant experience in research and analysis.
• Experience with international organizations is an asset.
• Experience of working with government entities is an asset.
• Experience in working with advanced technologies and programing languages is an asset.
• Experience in sdmx applications and data pipelines is an asset.
• Knowledge of Saudi development context is an asset.

c. Language(s)

Proficiency in English, working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

d. Competencies

• Demonstrates commitment to census principles and values.
• Shares knowledge and experience
• Provides helpful feedback and advice
• Strong statistical and IT skills
• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals
• Generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations
• Conceptualizes and analyzes problems to identify key issues, underlying problems, and how they relate
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements with excellence
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

To review the full job description, please click on the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMJPkFJOcCElwnAn7xKzxKOOUG_JRI4s/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104884024946145696197&rtpof=true&sd=true