Background and purpose
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2025 will provide crucial data to inform policy decisions aimed at
improving employment outcomes, fostering inclusive economic growth, and addressing structural
challenges in the labour market. By capturing key labour market indicators, the survey will enable
targeted policy interventions that align with Iraq’s development priorities and international
commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and International Labour
Standards (ILS).
The previous round of the LFS was conducted in 2021, marking the first LFS in a decade. The
International Labour Organization (ILO) partnered with the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) and
the Kurdistan Region Statistics Office (KRSO) to implement the survey, which collected comprehensive
data on the size and characteristics of the labour force, employment and other labour market
indicators, in line with the latest international statistical standards adopted by the 19th International
Conference of Labour Statisticians.
In 2024-2025, Iraq conducted its first Population and Housing Census in nearly four decades, along
with the third round of the Iraq Household Socioeconomic Survey (IHSES III). The completion of these
large-scale data collection efforts has created a unique opportunity to update national statistical
efforts in areas critical for evidence-based decision-making on employment and social protection.
Building on these advancements, the LFS 2025 will be implemented alongside efforts to establish a
Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and other key statistical activities, including the Multiple
Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).
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
o Data Cleaning Documentation are complete, clear, and replicable records available in
Arabic/English.
o Commented Syntax Files are fully annotated, tested, and usable by CSO/KRSO staff.
o Indicators List are comprehensive, aligned with international standards, and endorsed by
CSO/KRSO.
o Processed Data are clean, validated datasets delivered on time and in usable format.
o Tabulations are statistical tables consistent with indicator list, disaggregated, and ready for
reporting.
o Methodological Report are comprehensive, well-structured, and validated as a reference for
future surveys
VIII. Payment terms
First payment: 15% upon completion of the deliverable task number one, (1), by 31 March 2026;
Second payment: 45% upon completion of the deliverable task number two, three and four, (2,3), by
30 June 2026;
Third payment: 40% upon completion of the deliverable task number four, five, and six (4, 5,6), by 30
September 2026;
Travel arrangements (if applicable)
The consultancy is expected to be performed remotely. Nevertheless, the consultant may be
invited to attend some in-person meetings or activities in Iraq. In such cases, travel
arrangements will be covered by the ILO in line with its travel policies.
How to apply
You can apply for this consultancy by clicking on the below link:
Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/279825