Data Expert Consultant: 2050 Regional Data and Evidence Systems

About the role

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is seeking a consultant to strengthen regional data and evidence systems supporting the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The assignment is remote with travel, lasting 24 months, based in Suva, Fiji, and is supported under a PIFS-UNICEF Pacific memorandum of understanding. It works closely with the 2050 MEL Adviser, the Adviser Data Analytics and Insights, and partners such as SPC, the Pacific Data Hub, UNICEF Pacific, National Statistical Offices and other UN agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen 2050 data systems and triangulate regional evidence sources
• Connect 2050 data to the wider regional data ecosystem and support analysis of data on regional priorities
• Support regional data on the situation of children and women in the Pacific, including SDG monitoring, in collaboration with SPC and the Pacific Data Hub
• Deliver the work alongside the 2050 MEL Adviser and other regional partners

Required profile

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Demography, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Health, Social Sciences or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in data analysis, statistics, economics, development studies, business management, information management or MEL
• Fluent written and spoken English; knowledge of another Pacific language is an asset
• Experience mapping, accessing and triangulating data from regional or international sources, including SDG monitoring systems, household surveys and the Pacific Data Hub
• Experience designing or contributing to data governance frameworks or evidence architectures
• Experience coordinating or supporting quantitative household surveys (e.g. MICS), including planning, questionnaire adaptation, training, fieldwork monitoring, data processing, analysis and reporting
• Strong understanding of survey data on children and women and SDG indicators
• Experience with Pacific Island countries and regional organisations is highly desirable

Required skills

• Statistical analysis and data visualisation tools such as Excel, R, Python, SPSS, Power BI or Tableau
• Familiarity with SQL is an advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication, able to turn complex data into clear outputs for technical and policy audiences
• Desirable: GESI principles in data disaggregation and analysis, producing evidence briefs and advocacy materials, and working independently across partners