September 23, 2026
H (no hardship)
Family
CONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support
2026-10-01
Terms of Reference
Contract Type: Individual Contractor
Engagement Type: Regular
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Monthly Fee: In accordance with applicable local salary scale for Switzerland
Duration: 6 months
General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:
The Statistics and Information Management Section (SIMS) in UNHCR’s Global Data Service (GDS) oversees the production of global statistics on refugees and other populations affected by forced displacement and statelessness. Within SIMS, the Statistical Inclusion and Global Indicator unit in Geneva, is leading the development of UNHCR’s Refugee Data Portal and coordinating UNHCR’s work on data curation and statistical inclusion.
In 2026, UNHCR is part of a data consortium with IOM, WFP, WHO, UNDP, and Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which aims to strengthen humanitarian evidence and multisectoral needs analysis through improved data governance, interoperability, sharing, and use of assessment and displacement data across agencies.
Within the consortium, UNHCR leads the data curation workstream, providing technical expertise on microdata governance, quality assurance, documentation, anonymization, disclosure risk management, and publication of curated datasets through the UNHCR Microdata Library to enhance the accessibility, comparability, and responsible reuse of humanitarian data.
The team is also leading the implementation of the GCR Indicator Framework and produces the biennial GCR Indicator Reports as part of the Compact’s follow‑up and review process. In 2026, the GCR Indicator Framework is being reviewed with the aim of strengthening its relevance, measurability, and policy usefulness by refining existing indicators, improving data quality and comparability, enhancing statistical inclusion, and ensuring the framework better captures progress towards responsibility-sharing, inclusion, self-reliance, and durable solutions ahead of GCR Indicator Report 2027 and the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2027.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
Duties and Responsibilities -
1. Provide technical support in the monitoring, reporting, and stocktaking of the implementation of the multi-stakeholder pledge (MSP) on statistical inclusion and development of the Statistical Inclusion Navigator.
Timeframe: Oct 2026
Mar 2027
Performance Indicators: Timeliness and quality of data analysis; feedback from supervisors and colleagues
2. Support the organization and delivery of meetings and events related to the GCR Indicator Framework review, including by working closely with the GCR thematic experts, internal and external GCR stakeholders and provide high‑quality analytical inputs for the GCR Indicator Review.
Timeframe: Oct 2026
Mar 2027
Performance Indicators: Timeliness of meetings and consultations; number and diversity of stakeholders consulted; positive evaluation from participants
3. Curate aggregated statistics by conducting data quality assessments, aligning data against a common data model, performing aggregation and computing derived variables (where required), and preparing data documentation for publication internally to UNHCR’s Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) and externally through UNHCR’s Refugee Data Portal.
Timeframe: Oct 2026
Mar 2027
Performance Indicators: Timeliness, number and quality of data submitted to the EDP and RDP.
4. Anonymize survey microdata in line with UNHCR’s data protection framework and Administrative Instructions on microdata curation, performing disclosure risk assessments, and acquiring authorization for publication on UNHCR’s Microdata Library.
Timeframe: Oct 2026
Mar 2027
Performance Indicators: Timeliness and quality of published and anonymized microdata; feedback from supervisors and colleagues
5. Any other tasks, as needed.
Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:
Degree in Statistics, Demography, Empirical Sociology, Economics, Social Science, Public Policy or any other related field
Field of expertise, competencies:
Required/mandatory:
Demonstrated ability in applied statistics, particularly in descriptive and inferential statistics.
Demonstrated ability to develop written material (reports, notes from meetings and advocacy material), particularly research papers based on statistical analysis.
Familiarity with official statistics and operational data, including different data sources (surveys, administrative data, and census).
Demonstrated ability to communicate with different audiences, both technical and non-technical, and work collaboratively with colleagues and team members.
Knowledge and experience using at least one statistical and data software such as STATA, R or SPSS. Advanced knowledge of MS Office suite, especially Excel.
Demonstrated exposure to data management/database tools and ability to produce effective data visuals.
Strong organisational skills with a good attention to detail.
Desirable:
Interest in pursuing a career in humanitarian/development action, forced displacement, migration, or related fields.
Familiarity with the SDG indicator framework and EGRISS recommendations.
Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.
Minimum years of work experience (NOTE: candidates with less years of experience cannot be short-listed or recommended):
1-year relevant experience with High School Diploma; none required for Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Language:
Required: Fluency in English and French
Desirable: Knowledge of another UN language is an asset
Monitoring and Progress Controls
Performance indicators and milestone discussions are established to ensure the quality of deliverables in coordination with Hiring Manager and Technical Supervisor.
Location and Conditions
Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit a written test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.
Candidates must hold a valid Swiss work authorization (CDL, B permit, or equivalent) at the time of recruitment.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
French ,
English ,
Desired Languages
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Bachelor's: Demography (Required), Bachelor's: Economics (Required), Bachelor's: Public Policy (Required), Bachelor's: Social Science (Required), Bachelor's: Statistics (Required) Certifications
Work Experience
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No