UNICEF ECARO is looking for a qualified consultant to provide specialized analytical support to inform equity-focused strategic programming and regional monitoring across Europe and Central Asia, in line with SDG 17.18 commitments to strengthen the availability, quality, timeliness, and use of disaggregated data for sustainable development.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to the right to be counted

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The Programme, Planning and Data (PP&D) Section of UNICEF ECARO seeks a skilled Data and Analysis Consultant to provide specialized analytical support to inform equity-focused strategic programming and regional monitoring across Europe and Central Asia, in line with SDG 17.18 commitments to strengthen the availability, quality, timeliness, and use of disaggregated data for sustainable development.

The consultant will contribute to five priority assignments: (a) preparation of a Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) analytical narrative using advanced CART and D-Index methodologies, drawing on MICS6 and MICS7 data to inform Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and equity-focused programming and policy dialogue; (b) extraction, harmonization, and quality assurance of inequity analysis outputs from the Kosovo (UNSCR 1244)- National and Roma Settlements, Serbia National and Roma Settlements, Montenegro - National and Roma Settlements, Ukraine and Albania MICS7 databases for integration into the ECACID regional platform; (c) provision of analytical support to regional knowledge products and programme-relevant analytical outputs, (d) ECA Survey Document & Microdata Linkage Repository — structure and link questionnaires, reports, microdata, and technical docs with persistent references and (e) additional support as needed related to MICS and aligned activities.

This assignment requires advanced technical expertise in equity-driven data analysis, strong familiarity with household survey data and disaggregation frameworks, and excellent analytical writing skills to ensure findings are methodologically robust, policy-relevant, and accessible to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks over the eight-month period (April–Nov 2026):

1. VNR-LNOB (CART and D-Index) Narrative Report:

• Transform complex data outputs (by June 2026) into a clear, policy-relevant one-narrative report that highlights drivers of inequity and priority areas for intervention in the context of SDG acceleration.
• Input the analysis in the ECACID dashboard (reflect all agreed indicators)
• Work collaboratively with the data team to ensure findings align with regional strategies and complement existing evidence (meetings).

2. ECACID Inequity Analysis Data Extraction:

• Extract, clean, and organize relevant equity-related data from Serbia, Kosovo (UNSCR 1244), Montenegro, Albania, and Ukraine MICS datasets, ensuring accuracy and completeness. (4 databases in the ECACID)
• Convert all the analysis programme from Stata to R-Programming (programmes)
• Document the extraction and cleaning process to ensure replicability and transparency (working document)
• Prepare datasets to enable subsequent in-depth analysis by ECARO and national counterparts.
• Ensure the analysis is available in the ECACID dashboard (dashboard)
• Support in the improvement of the ECACID dashboard
• Adopt some best practices based on MICS HQ inequality work

3. Data generation systems Coordination and Technical Support – MICS technical support

• Support in the coordination of the MICS programme across ECAR and provide technical assistance to country offices on survey planning, implementation, analysis, and reporting

4. ECA Survey Document & Microdata Linkage Repository — structure and link questionnaires, reports, microdata, and technical docs with persistent references.

• Map and inventory all unique/strategic child-related surveys conducted across the ECA region—define inclusion criteria and compile an initial survey of the universe.
• Build a standardized metadata repository for each survey (e.g., country, year, target population, sample design, modules/indicators, implementing agencies, data access conditions).
• Create a linked document library—upload/attach (or link to) questionnaires, technical documentation, survey findings report, microdata dictionaries, and related outputs.
• Set up a searchable, maintained database with persistent links to datasets and files, clear version control, and ownership for updates/quality assurance.
• Deliver guidance and handover—a brief SOP for updates, governance (roles/responsibilities), and a short user guide for stakeholders.

5. Analytical products and engagement in MICS and other tasks (as identified by Supervisor) to contribute to the broader work of the PP&D section.

Estimated Duration of the Contract

Approximately 120 days of engagement are expected between April and November 2026. However, with the availability of funds, a total of 80 days is planned at the moment. The number of days may increase, subject to the availability of funds, and following the implementation plans of regional and government requests, in which case the consultant's contract will be amended accordingly.

Consultant's Work Place and Official Travel

The Consultants will be home-based with no travel is foreseen at the moment.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Payment will be made on submission of an invoice and satisfactory completion of the above-mentioned deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…  

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills Required:

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, social sciences, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in data analysis, visualization, and report writing
• Proven experience in using advanced analytical techniques (CART, D-Index, or similar).
• Strong writing skills for narrative report development and data storytelling.
  Proven proficiency as a R-Programming
• Established track record of designing, developing, and maintaining complex database
• Fluent in the English language.

Desirable:

• In-depth knowledge and expertise in child rights monitoring indicators relevant to the ECA region, utilizing this understanding to inform data analytics and data ingestion strategies.
• Keen problem-solving acumen, coupled with the ability to work independently and remotely on intricate technical projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate seamless collaboration, reporting, and documentation.

Please submit a full CV, relevant writing samples and a financial proposal (in USD) in your application. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.