The Position:

While there are some general statistics in PNG, there is hardly any reliable disaggregated data that captures the specific experiences and needs of different groups, such as persons with disabilities. Reliable data is critical for shaping effective policies and ensuring the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. There is a significant gap in the availability of disaggregated data for persons with disabilities, regarding vulnerabilities linked to gender, age, ethnicity and location (e.g. region, province, district, local level government or ward). 

This lack of disaggregated data limits policymakers' ability to fully understand the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities, including their access to services like sexual and reproductive health care, legal support, and protection from GBV, discrimination and harassment. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive and disaggregated data means that human rights violations particularly impacting persons with disabilities such as trafficking, forced labour, technology-facilitated violence including bullying and xenophobic violence often go unreported or are inadequately addressed. Consequently, government policies and programs often fail to adequately address the needs of the most vulnerable persons with disabilities, leaving them exposed to various forms of exploitation and abuse when they transfer to other places.

To address this challenge on disability data gaps, UNFPA is undertaking a Disability Data Mapping exercise under the project Catalysing the Effective Implementation of Disability Equity and Inclusion in Papua New Guinea to identify, document, and assess existing data sources relevant to disability. There are a few national surveys that include some data on disability and there are also small data collection efforts by some institutions and private entities, but those need to be assessed and compiled to better understand the gaps, overlaps, quality, and opportunities for improvement.  For this purpose, the services of a Disability Data Mapping Consultant will be required.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the leading United Nations (UN) agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan 2026-2029 reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. 

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; we need staff who are transparent, and exceptional in managing the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive disability data mapping to identify existing datasets, their custodians, formats, frequency, accessibility, and quality. The findings will inform the development of a data inventory and recommendations for data collection, compilation, integration, monitoring, and strengthening.

Given the comprehensive nature of this project, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will need the support of a motivated, ambitious Data Mapping Consultant with strong organizational and writing skills to help achieve the outputs envisaged in this project. 

You will play an instrumental role in the project implementation, supporting design, planning and management, in the areas of disability that links with population and development, reproductive health and gender. 

You will apply established systems and procedures and assist in the creation of knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing relevant information, developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with procedures.

You would be responsible for:

With the guidance of the CTA, the Disability Data Mapping Consultant will:

• Develop a workplan detailing the activities that should be undertaken with corresponding timeline and expected outputs.
• Develop a data mapping framework and methodology in consultation with the National Statistical Office, UNFPA, OHCHR, Department of Community Development and Religion, Assembly of Disabled Persons and other OPDs. 
• Identify and catalogue existing data sources from government agencies, development partners, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
• Assess the quality, disaggregation, relevance, and accessibility of available data, including metadata, frequency of collection, and disaggregation.
• Identify data gaps, overlaps, and potential linkages between datasets.
• Conduct key informant interviews or stakeholder consultations to validate findings and gather additional information.
• Develop a comprehensive data inventory or matrix summarizing all identified data sources.
• Provide recommendations for improving data coordination, sharing, management, collection, compilation, monitoring and reporting.
• Assist the International Consultant on In-depth Analysis of Disability Data in the gathering of relevant data and research needed for the preparation of the analysis. 
• Assist and provide inputs to the Website Developer tasked to develop a website on Disability Data and related information.
• Prepare and present a final report summarizing methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative, Deputy Representative, and/or Chief Technical Advisor, as may be required to ensure the success of the above-mentioned activities.   

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Master’s degree in Population Studies, Demography, Statistics, Data Science, Information Management, Economics, or a related field and at least two (2) years of professional experience in data collection, mapping, governance, management, statistical analysis, information systems, or database development, OR

  Bachelor’s degree in the same fields and at least five (5) years of post-bachelor’s experience in the same fields. 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Familiarity with national statistical systems and institutional data structures.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Experience working with government institutions, United Nations, or other development partners is an advantage.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, and MS PowerPoint) is required.
• Must be able to remain focused under pressure, with a commitment to working hard and long hours.
• Must be meticulous - have a keen eye for details, looking for excellence/ perfection in all technical matters.

Languages: 

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of Tok Pisin/Motu is required.

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,

Functional Competencies:

• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners / building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results based programmes
• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda

Compensation and Benefits:

•  This position offers an attractive remuneration package as per UNFPA IC Policy
• Any official mission travel will be organized by the office covering DSA and tickets as per applicable travel policies. 

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.