Data Processing and Tabulation Expert

International Labour Organization

II. Scope of work

The Data Cleansing and Tabulation Expert will provide specialized technical support to the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) and Kurdistan Region Statistics Office (KRSO) to ensure accurate, consistent, and internationally aligned processing of LFS data. The expert will be responsible for documenting, cleaning, processing, and tabulating survey data in a manner that enables both institutions to produce high-quality labour market indicators and statistical outputs for evidence-based policymaking.

The consultant will assist in systematically documenting all data cleaning procedures, conventions, and codes applied during the processing of field-collected data, ensuring transparency and replicability. This includes producing detailed records in Arabic and/or English. In addition, the expert will develop and annotate syntax files for the LFS, providing commented scripts that can be used as reference and training material for national counterparts.

Another key responsibility will be to support the preparation of a comprehensive list of indicators, consistent with international labour statistics standards, covering employment, unemployment, labour force participation, and other relevant dimensions. The consultant will further assist in the complete data processing workflow, including validation, consistency checks, and the generation of outputs.

Building on this, the expert will design and produce tabulation plans and statistical tables suitable for both CSO and KRSO reporting needs. Finally, the consultant will prepare a detailed methodological report that consolidates all definitions, conventions, and procedures used, serving as a permanent reference for future surveys and capacity development.

Detailed tasks

The external collaborator/ Data Cleansing and Tabulation Expert will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assist the CSO and KRSO in documenting in Arabic and/or English all operated data cleaning codes and convention made on data collected from the field.
2. Assist the CSO and KRSO in Iraq in writing commented syntax of the LFS;
3. Assist the CSO and KRSO in preparing the full indicators list;
4. Support the CSO and KRSO in data processing.
5. Prepare the tabulation to be used by both CSO and KRSO;
6. Prepare and write a full report including all definitions used.

IV. Expected deliverables

Deliverable 1. Comprehensive record, in Arabic and/or English, of all data cleaning codes and conventions applied to LFS field data, ensuring clarity and replicability, by 31 March 2026

Deliverable 2. Fully documented syntax scripts for the LFS, with detailed annotations and explanations for future use by CSO and KRSO staff, 30 June 2026

Deliverable 3. Complete, validated list of LFS indicators aligned with international labour statistics standards, prepared in consultation with CSO and KRSO, 30 June 2026

Deliverable 4. Cleaned and processed LFS datasets, with consistency checks and quality control applied, ready for analysis and reporting, by 30 September 2026

Deliverable 5. Set of tabulations and statistical tables prepared for both CSO and KRSO reporting needs, covering key labour market indicators, by 30 September 2026

Deliverable 6. Final report documenting all definitions, procedures, conventions, and methods applied throughout the data processing and tabulation stages, serving as a reference for future surveys, by 30 September 2026

V. Reporting arrangements

Throughout the assignment, the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, and under the overall technical supervision of the ILO ROAS Labor Statistician and the Chief Technical Chief Technical Advisor on Social Security. The consultant will closely coordinate with both CSO and KRSO.

VI. Detailed qualifications, experience and skills required

Education: University degree in statistics, maths, and/or any other related field. A PhD in Statistics is an advantage

Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in working in social surveys and data processing, coding, and tabulation. Previous experience in working with UN agencies and/or National Statistical Office is an advantage.

Languages: Fluency in Arabic and English,

Additional Required Competencies: strong tabulation and syntax skills.

Applicants are expected to submit technical proposal in English comprising:

• CV describing education, qualifications, experience in similar assignments as outlined in the required qualifications for the assignment. The CV should also include the candidate s contact details, language proficiency, and at least three professional references.
• A short technical note (maximum 2 pages) outlining the proposed methodology and approach to the assignment

The External Collaborator may also add any other document(s) and information to demonstrate its technical and professional capacities and competencies to fulfil the requirements as specified in the Terms of Reference.

VII. Indicators for evaluation of outputs

• Data Cleaning Documentation are complete, clear, and replicable records available in Arabic/English.
• Commented Syntax Files are fully annotated, tested, and usable by CSO/KRSO staff.
• Indicators List are comprehensive, aligned with international standards, and endorsed by CSO/KRSO.
• Processed Data are clean, validated datasets delivered on time and in usable format.
• Tabulations are statistical tables consistent with indicator list, disaggregated, and ready for reporting.
• Methodological Report are comprehensive, well-structured, and validated as a reference for future surveys