Consultancy: Sampling Consultancy for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) , D & A Section, DRP - NYHQ, Requisition #512296

(a) As indicated by independent MICS Evaluations and the vast experience gained during the implementation of MICS since 2009, special attention needs to be paid to issues related to survey sampling, as this is a highly technical field on which countries require a significant amount of support. It is essential that sampling guidance to countries is given in a standard manner and of the highest quality, and that countries receive the guidance and assistance that they need in order to develop and implement appropriate sampling strategies for their surveys.

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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.

MICS enables countries to produce statistically sound and internationally comparable estimates of a range of indicators in the areas of child survival and health, education, foundational learning skills, gender, child protection, water and sanitation, disability, early childhood development, among others. For many countries, MICS surveys are among the most important sources of data used for situation analyses, policy decisions and programme interventions, and for influencing the public opinion on the situation of children and women.

During 2017-2020, UNICEF is supporting the sixth round of MICS surveys. MICS is generating information for 33 SDG indicators, which is about half of the SDG indicators that can be produced through household surveys and will therefore, along with other nationally representative household surveys, be critically important for baseline SDG reporting.

MICS surveys are carried out and owned by government organisations, with the support and technical assistance of UNICEF. For problem-free completion of the survey process, and the generation of comparable data, implementing agencies need to adhere to basic MICS protocols and recommendations, and make use of the standard tools provided. In the majority of countries, however, the provision of survey tools alone is not sufficient, and additional support of experts for quality assurance and comparability is essential.

As part of the MICS6 programme, UNICEF will continue to strengthen its MICS support mechanism at all levels, so that implementing partners in countries can receive the required level of technical assistance on a timely basis at critical survey stages and are in a better position to support the implementing partner. Among the new initiatives, the MICS Programme will seek to support countries to release all tabulations and data within six months of completing fieldwork.

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 a high-level sampling consultant to advise countries on sampling related issues, provide feedback on data analysis (calculation of sample weights), and report writing (review of sampling related components of final reports).

Purpose

1. As indicated by independent MICS Evaluations and the vast experience gained during the implementation of MICS since 2009, special attention needs to be paid to issues related to survey sampling, as this is a highly technical field on which countries require a significant amount of support. It is essential that sampling guidance to countries is given in a standard manner and of the highest quality, and that countries receive the guidance and assistance that they need in order to develop and implement appropriate sampling strategies for their surveys. Specifically, country level support is needed in the following sampling-related areas of work:

• Reviews of sample designs
• Calculation of sample weights
• Calculation of sampling errors
• Review of sampling related chapter of the survey final reports

2. For the provision of good quality support to countries implementing MICS, sampling tools and documents need to be disseminated to implementing agencies during during the planning of the surveys.
3. Sampling support needs to be provided both from a distance and by means of visits to the selected countries at the critical stages of survey implementation.

To these ends, UNICEF HQ needs to work with a sampling expert who can provide such support, whenever needed. Due to the highly technical nature of the work involved, it is essential that an experienced international expert who will be able to follow specific recommendations of the MICS programme is mobilized.

In order to meet these objectives, UNICEF requires the support of external sampling expertise.

Expected results: (measurable results)

Reports on reviews of sampling plans, sample weight calculations and sampling chapters in MICS country reports.

Review, revise, and send feedback about the sampling plans developed by the statistical agencies designing MICS surveys as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work.

Review, advise or, if necessary, calculate the sample weights for MICS surveys/countries after the data collection is completed before they proceed with the data analyses as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work.

Review the relevant chapters of the MICS survey/country reports as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work.

Review and produce updates to the package of sampling tools and guidance documents provided by the Global MICS Programme.

Duty Station

Remote-based and travel to selected countries implementing MICS surveys (Tentative timing and venues indicated below).

The estimated cost of travel is summarized below:

Timeframe

Start date:  7 May 2018
End date:  31 October 2018

Confidentiality of Data and MICS Documents

The Sampling 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 reference.

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• An Advanced university degree (Master’s) or equivalent in Survey Sampling or Statistics with special expertise in survey sampling
• At least 12 years’ experience at senior level in designing samples for household surveys
• Expertise with the sampling methodology of household surveys like MICS or DHS (Demographic and Health Surveys)
• Experience of working in developing countries
• Fluency in English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian

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