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 ILO Office in Iraq seeks to engage a Senior Statistical Consultant to provide high-level expertise and technical
guidance in the design, processing, analysis, and reporting of the LFS, in collaboration with the CSO and the KRSO.
The consultant will play a central role in ensuring methodological rigor and adherence to international standards
throughout the survey cycle.
The consultant will support the CSO and KRSO in designing the LFS sample, calculating sampling weights, and
estimating errors to guarantee representativeness and statistical validity. They will also assist in the development
and pre-testing of the survey questionnaire, ensuring its relevance, accuracy, and consistency with international
guidelines. As part of capacity building, the consultant will deliver training to national staff in preparation for
fieldwork, equipping them with the skills to implement data collection effectively.
Following data collection, the consultant will work closely with the technical team to process the dataset, compute
key labour market indicators, and prepare the final tabulations. They will also lead the data analysis, ensuring the
production of a comprehensive and technically sound final report. To facilitate dissemination and policy dialogue,
the consultant will prepare high-quality presentations summarizing key findings for stakeholders.
Throughout the project, the consultant will provide ongoing technical guidance, serving as the primary resource
person for statistical and methodological issues, thereby strengthening national capacity and ensuring the
production of reliable and policy-relevant labour market statistics.
Detailed tasks
The contracted senior statistical consultant is expected to deploy and provide higher statistical and
technical expertise that will be responsible for the following:
1. Assist the CSO and KRSO in:
a. Drawing the sample design for the LFS.
b. Calculating the sampling weights and errors.
2. Assist in the development and testing of the questionnaire.
3. Provide training for staff in preparation for field work.
4. Compute indicators and final tabulation in coordination with the technical team.
5. Develop data analysis and final report.
6. Prepare presentation to present findings.
7. Provide technical guidance when needed throughout the project.
IV. Expected deliverables
Deliverable 1. Sample Design – Sampling design for the Labour Force Survey (LFS) completed, by 28
February 2026
Deliverable 2. Weighting – Sampling weights and error estimates documented and validated, by 28
February 2026
Deliverable 3. Questionnaire – Draft and tested version of the LFS questionnaire, with feedback from
piloting incorporated, by 31 May 2026
Deliverable 4. Capacity Building – Training materials and sessions delivered to CSO and KRSO staff
to prepare for fieldwork, by 31 May 2026
Deliverable 5. Indicators and Tabulations – Computed indicators and final tabulation tables
produced in coordination with the technical team, by 31 July 2026
Deliverable 6. Final Analytical Report – Comprehensive data analysis and final report prepared,
aligned with international standards, by 30 September 2026
Deliverable 7. Presentation of Findings – High-quality presentation summarizing survey
methodology, results, and key findings for stakeholders, by 30 September 2026
Deliverable 8. Ongoing Technical Guidance – Continuous support and advisory services provided to
CSO and KRSO throughout the project lifecycle, by 30 September 2026
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, labour economics, econometrics, and/or any other
related field. A PhD in Statistics is an advantage
Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience at the international level in the design and
implementation of household surveys, particularly Labour Force Surveys, sampling techniques,
statistics data cleansing and tabulation and data analysis. Previous experience in working with UN
agencies/ILO and/or National Statistical Office is an advantage.
Qualifications: The deployed expert should be a qualified survey statistician with a strong background
in the analysis of employment, unemployment and labour market trends in developed and developing
countries. They should have a proven record in providing technical advice to countries on surveys,
statistical concepts and definitions;
Additional Required Competencies: The deployed expert should have substantive knowledge on the
resolutions adopted and adapted by the International Conferences of Labour Statisticians (especially
19th, 20th, and 21st ICLS).
Languages: Fluency in Arabic and English.
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
Sample Design and Weighting are valid, representative design with documented weights
and errors.
• Questionnaires are tested, refined, and aligned with international standards.
• Capacity Building delivered; staff demonstrate improved knowledge.
• Indicators and Tabulations are accurate indicators and validated tables produced.
• Final Analytical Report is comprehensive, high-quality report endorsed by CSO/KRSO.
• Presentation of Findings is clear presentation prepared; results understood by stakeholders.
• Ongoing Technical Guidance is provided timely; CSO/KRSO confirm strengthened technical
capacity.
VIII. Payment terms
First payment: 10% upon completion of the deliverable task number 1 and 2, by 28 February 2026;
Second payment: 25% upon completion of the deliverable tasks number 3 and 4, by 31 May 2026;
Third payment: 25% upon completion of the deliverable tasks 5, by 31 July 2026;
Fourth payment: 40% upon completion of the deliverable tasks 6, 7, and 8, 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 the consultancy by clicking on below link:
Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/279824