Position Announcement: UNWTO is Hiring Tourism Statistics Expert (Home Based)

About the Organization

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The UNWTO’s fundamental mission is to advance tourism as a vital driver of economic development and to facilitate the capabilities of Member States to capitalize on tourism’s economic potential while prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity.

In light of this mission, UNWTO is seeking a Tourism Statistics Expert/Tourism Satellite Account Compiler to be included in its Roster of Experts. This role is focused on enhancing tourism statistics systems and developing Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) for French-speaking UNWTO Member States. This position will significantly contribute to UNWTO’s broader aim of fostering sustainable tourism development as a potent engine for socio-economic growth and inclusive progress—ensuring that no one is left behind.

Background and Context

Over recent years, UNWTO has been pivotal in guiding Member States in creating a robust framework of basic economic statistical data and indicators specific to tourism. In collaboration with the international community, UNWTO has developed two crucial standards:

1. International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 (IRTS 2008): Provides a comprehensive framework for collecting and processing tourism data.
2. Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 (TSA: RMF 2008): Offers guidelines for measuring the economic impact of tourism within a country’s economy.

The TSA serves as an essential tool for understanding tourism’s intricate relationship with the economy, enabling effective policy-making and advocacy for National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) at all levels.

In this context, the selected Expert will spearhead TSA projects in various countries, assuming a range of responsibilities crucial for strengthening tourism statistics.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Tourism Statistics Expert will be responsible for a variety of essential tasks, including but not limited to:

Planning and Research:

• Attend online meetings and conduct desk research for an initial inventory, assessment, and selection of data sources to formulate a comprehensive work plan for TSA project implementation.

Awareness and Advocacy:

• Promote awareness of UN statistical standards, particularly the Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008, emphasizing its importance in tourism statistics.

System Review and Improvement:

• Conduct thorough reviews of existing tourism statistics systems, evaluating all relevant data sources and TSA tables that have been compiled. Provide insights and recommendations for enhancing these systems.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Support the institutional framework for tourism statistics by strengthening statistical capacity through targeted training programs for various governmental stakeholders, such as ministries of tourism, national statistical offices, immigration departments, and central banks.

Training and Workshops:

• Organize and facilitate national and regional statistics and TSA workshops for government officials and public-private sector stakeholders to improve knowledge and skills in tourism statistics.

Data Collection and Quality Assurance:

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to identify data needs and implement effective data collection programs while ensuring high standards of data quality.

TSA Compilation Support:

• Guide and assist in compiling an (experimental) Tourism Satellite Account, ensuring methodologies align with international standards over the medium to long term.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and other communication materials to effectively convey insights and findings to stakeholders, including government agencies, tourism boards, and industry organizations.

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Perform any additional tasks as required to support the objectives of the UNWTO in tourism statistics.

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, statistics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with relevant professional and academic qualifications may suffice.

Professional Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in French-speaking countries, focusing on tourism statistics, national accounts, TSA, statistical capacity building, or developing national statistical systems. This should ideally include experience in an international organization, national statistical office, government agency, or research institute, with specific experience in compiling, processing, and analyzing tourism accounts.
• Statistical Knowledge: Familiarity with statistical data sources related to tourism, and a strong understanding of UN statistical recommendations such as:
• IRTS 2008
• TSA: RMF 2008
• System of National Accounts 2008
• Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to coordinate and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in French: Essential for both written and spoken communication.
• Additional Language Skills: Proficiency in another official UNWTO language (English, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian) is advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Computer Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Windows 10; knowledge of statistical software like SPSS, STATA, or EViews is beneficial.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and report-writing capabilities.
• Communication Skills: Proficient in both oral and written communication, with a strong ability to articulate complex issues clearly.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural and multiethnic environment with respect and sensitivity to diversity.
• Independence and Initiative: Capacity to work independently within designated areas, demonstrating initiative and sound judgment.
• Leadership: Skills in team motivation, management, and driving collaborative efforts.
• Responsibility and Commitment: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to meeting deadlines in pressured situations.
• Industry Knowledge: Good understanding of tourism development and management principles.
• Awareness of Institutional Frameworks: Knowledge of structures and procedures of international organizations and national administrations is preferable.
• UN Experience: Prior experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is an asset.

Remuneration and Other Conditions

• Salary: The gross monthly remuneration for this role ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000, determined by academic background, professional experience, skills, and competencies.
• Travel and Accommodation: For applicable missions, travel and accommodation expenses will be covered as an all-inclusive lump sum.
• Medical Insurance: The expert is required to have global major medical insurance coverage at their own expense.

Application Procedure

Evaluation Process: Candidates will be evaluated based on the following stages:

1. Establishing a Roster: All applicants will first be screened against the minimum qualifications. Those who meet the criteria will be invited to a competitive examination and interview, with successful candidates included in an Expert roster for two years. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee a contract.
2. Specific Assignment Evaluation: When a service request arises, those in the roster will be contacted based on their areas of expertise. Candidates will need to confirm their availability and remuneration expectations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the Online UNWTO Personal History Form. Please note that UNWTO will only accept applications submitted through the official web-based system. Applications received via other means (e.g., postal mail, email) or after the closing date will not be considered.

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This position offers a strategic opportunity to influence tourism statistics systems positively and develop robust tourism satellite accounts that enhance the socio-economic development of French-speaking Member States. If you are a qualified professional interested in making a meaningful impact in the world of tourism statistics, we encourage you to apply!

Visit the UNWTO Careers Page

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