Consultancy: Household Survey Expert Consultancy for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Data & Analytics Section, DRP, Requisition #511046

Under the overall supervision of the Statistics Specialist in the Data Collection Unit, the Household Survey Consultant is responsible for supporting the on-going methodological work and tools of MICS, facilitation of (at least) one global/regional MICS Workshops, and provision of coordinated feedback on country survey plans and findings.

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Background & Rationale

Statistically sound and internationally comparable data are essential for developing evidence-based policies and programmes. Such data are also critical for monitoring progress toward national goals and global commitments. Since 1995, UNICEF has supported the implementation of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), assisting countries in generating high quality data on the situation of children and women to serve these purposes. Over the last two decades, more than 290 MICS surveys have been conducted in 108 countries.

Currently the number of MICS6 surveys that have joined the programme or committed to implement a MICS during 2017-2020 is 46 http://mics.unicef.org/surveys. In 2018, the number of surveys expected to complete reporting, undertake data collection, and start planning and design activities will be around 50, but may increase further as countries finalise their SDG indicator frameworks and reporting plans or decide to conduct MICS for monitoring of national development plans. UNICEF HQ will, therefore, hire an experienced international household survey consultant to support UNICEF staff members in facilitating Survey Design and Data Interpretation and Report Compilation Workshops, conduct methodological and data quality analysis, produce or review global MICS tools, and advise countries on draft survey plans as well as provide feedback on actual data for quality assurance purposes. Some ad hoc travel to directly support countries may also be necessary.

Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Statistics Specialist in the Data Collection Unit, the Household Survey Consultant is responsible for supporting the on-going methodological work and tools of MICS, facilitation of (at least) one global/regional MICS Workshops, and provision of coordinated feedback on country survey plans and findings.

Expected results: (measurable results)

1. 1. Facilitation and preparation of materials at the following MICS workshops and consultations:
      1. Survey Design, planned for
         1. Denarau, Fiji (for Pacific countries), March 2018
      2. Global MICS Consultation, planned for
         1. One consultation in New Delhi, India in June 2018
   2. Support the pre-test of questionnaires, training of fieldworkers and monitoring of fieldwork in
      1. 1. Skopje, Macedonia FYR in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2018
         2. Tbilisi, Georgia in the third and last quarters of 2018
   3. Reviews and updating of the MICS6 tools as required
   4. In coordination with the UNICEF HQ MICS Team, support the Regional MICS Coordinators in providing technical assistance and oversight to ongoing MICS surveys, in accordance with the MICS Technical Collaboration Framework:

The consultant will review and provide feedback to Country Offices on the following documents, to ensure compliance with MICS standards:

1. Survey Plans and Budgets
2. Questionnaires and Manuals
3. Sample designs (with MICS Sampling Consultants)
4. Field check tables and other fieldwork monitoring documents
5. Tabulation plans
6. Data sets and tabulation syntaxes
7. Survey Findings Reports and other reporting/dissemination tools

 Duty Station

Remote-based and travel to locations where MICS workshops, meetings and surveys will be taking place in 2018 (Dates and venues TBC but tentative timing and venues indicated above).

Timeframe:

Start date: 1 March 2018            
End date: 30 September 2018 

Confidentiality of Data and MICS Documents

The Household Survey Expert Consultant must respect the confidentiality of the MICS data as well as any country-specific MICS documents that will be produced throughout the MICS process. The consultant can use the documents and the datasets only for the tasks related to these terms of references.

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• An advanced university degree (Master’s) or equivalent in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, or other related technical field with significant measurement or analysis component is required;
• At least 12 years’ working experience related to the coordination and/or management of quantitative household surveys;
• Prior MICS coordination experience is necessary. Prior experience with DHS (Demographic and Health Surveys) is an advantage;
• Expertise in statistical analyses (familiarity with data processing and data analysis software, SPSS highly desirable);
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships with national partners;
• Experience of working in developing countries.UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
• Fluency in English. Intermediate skills in French, Russian, Arabic, and/or Spanish is an advantage;

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Remarks

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.   
At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization