Job description

The Position:

UNFPA Iraq, in partnership with the Ministry of Planning (MoP), seeks to recruit a qualified national consultant to support the preparation of a strategic national document that will strengthen evidence-based planning and population governance in Iraq: 
The State of Iraq's Population Report, which will provide an in-depth analysis of Iraq's demographic situation following the 2024 Population and Housing Census and assess progress made in implementing the National Population Policy two years after its adoption. 
The objective of preparing the State of Iraq's Population Report following the 2024 Population and Housing Census is to provide a clear and comprehensive roadmap for integrated and sustainable development. The report will support the efficient allocation of resources according to population needs and contribute to achieving a better future for all Iraqis. 
The consultancy aims to produce a high-quality, evidence-based national document that will support policy formulation, sectoral planning, and coordinated implementation across government institutions. 
 

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 will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, 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

Job Purpose:

The consultant will lead all demographic and population-related components, including:

• Review national and international literature, demographic studies, census reports and relevant policies.
• Analyze the 2024 Population and Housing Census.
• Assess demographic trends, including fertility, mortality, migration, urbanization and age structure.
• Assess implementation progress of the National Population Policy.
• Analyze the demographic dividend and future demographic scenarios.
• Prepare demographic projections.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Lead preparation of demographic chapters of the State of Iraq's Population Report.
• Support the adolescent policy with demographic evidence and projections.

The consulting team or institution responsible for preparing the report is expected to cover the following proposed chapters: 

• Chapter One: General Conceptual Framework of the Report 
• Chapter Two: Population Status in Iraq – An Analysis of Demographic Indicators Based on the 2024 Population and Housing Census 
• Chapter Three: Assessment of the National Population Policy Two Years After Its Launch 
• Chapter Four: Population and Development – Economic and Social Reflections 
• Chapter Five: Iraq's International Commitments in Population and Development Issues: Progress and Challenges 
• Chapter Six: Analysis of the Demographic Dividend and Population Window of Opportunity in Iraq 
• Chapter Seven: Future Population Trends and Projected Scenarios 
• Chapter Eight: Proposed Policies and Strategic Recommendations 

You would be responsible for:

The consultant will: 

•    Develop an inception report and methodology.
•    Conduct desk reviews.
•    Hold consultations with government entities, UN agencies, academia and civil society.
•    Organize technical workshops if needed.
•    Prepare presentations.

•    Revise drafts following comments.
•    Prepare final versions of both documents.
•    Support report layout and design.
•    Present findings to the Ministry of Planning and UNFPA.
 

Expected Deliverables:

1.    A comprehensive report based on the 2024 Population and Housing Census that provides an updated and reliable population database to support evidence-based policymaking and national development planning.
2.    An assessment of the progress made in implementing the pillars of the National Population Policy two years after its launch.
3.    Identification of:

• Population size and geographic distribution;
• Household characteristics;
• Educational attainment;
• Occupational status;
• Income levels;
• Unemployment rates;
• Poverty levels; and
• Health conditions.

4.    Identification of actual population needs across different regions and sectors (education, health, housing, infrastructure, employment, etc.) to enable more efficient allocation of financial and human resources and support sustainable development.
5.    An in-depth analysis of demographic, social, and economic transformations, including population growth, youth population trends, fertility rates, and women's participation in the labour force.
6.    A monitoring tool to measure Iraq's progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and other related goals.

Duration and working schedule: 

3 months 

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report, detailed methodology, workplan, and consultation plan - End of Week 2 
• Deliverable 2: Comprehensive literature review, review of national and international policies, analysis of the 2024 Population and Housing Census data, and stakeholder consultation report- End of Month 1 
• Deliverable 3: First draft of the State of Iraq's Population Report and first draft of the National Policy for Adolescent Development submitted for technical review- End of Month 2 
• Deliverable 4:Validation workshop(s) conducted and revised drafts incorporating comments from UNFPA, the Ministry of Planning, and key stakeholders- Final State of Iraq's Population Report, Final National Policy for Adolescent Development, executive summaries, PowerPoint presentation, and all editable source files submitted- End of Month 3 

Place where services are to be delivered: 

Home-based with frequent missions inside Baghdad and other governorates as required.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered: 

The consultancy will be implemented over a period of four (4) months. All deliverables shall be submitted electronically in editable Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as applicable) and PDF. Final reports and policy documents shall be submitted in both editable and PDF versions, together with all supporting datasets, analytical tables, presentations, and source files. Hard copies may be requested by UNFPA and the Ministry of Planning for the final approved documents. 
Deliverables: 

• 1st deliverable: Draft report no later than 1st October 2026. 1st instalment (50%) of total payment.
• 2nd deliverable: Final draft report no later than 15 November 2026. 2nd instalment (50%) of total payment.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: 

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Programme Analyst and in close coordination with the Ministry of Planning. Progress will be monitored through regular coordination meetings, technical review sessions, and submission of agreed deliverables according to the approved workplan. 

The consultant shall:

• Submit an Inception Report within the first two weeks outlining the methodology, workplan, and timeline.
• Provide bi-weekly progress updates summarizing activities completed, challenges encountered, and planned next steps.
• Participate in regular technical coordination meetings with UNFPA and the Ministry of Planning, as requested.
• Submit all draft deliverables for technical review and incorporate comments received from UNFPA, the Ministry of Planning, and relevant stakeholders.
• Present findings during consultation and validation workshops.
• Submit the final deliverables in accordance with the agreed timeline and to the satisfaction of UNFPA.

Supervisory arrangements:

The consultants will report directly to the UNFPA Programme Specialist, SRH and UNFPA Census Advisor and work closely with the Ministry of Planning, Human Development Directorate, and other relevant government counterparts. 

Expected travel:

Travel within Iraq, including Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, to facilitate consultations, workshops and validation meetings.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  
Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD preferred) in Demography, Population Studies, Statistics, Economics or related field. 
Knowledge and Experience: 

•    Minimum 5 years of experience in demographic analysis.
•    Demonstrated experience analysing census data.
•    Experience preparing national reports.
•    Experience with demographic projections.
•    Experience working with Iraqi government institutions.
•    Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

Languages: 

• Fluent in English and Arabic are 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,

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any: 

Payment is 5000$ shall be made on two instalments, first instalment when delivering the first draft and second when delivering final draft. Deliverable-based, first instalments upon receiving first draft no later than 1st of October, second instalments upon receiving final version no later than 15th of November. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

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.