Consultancy: Statistics (MICS Data Analysis), D & A Section, DRP - NYHQ, Requisition #515282

The consultant is tasked to support all stages of the development of standards for MICS-Plus Surveys, testing of the standards and support to countries which choose to implement the MICS Plus Surveys

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Background & Rationale

Since 1995, UNICEF has supported countries to collect data on the situation of children and women using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). These large-scale, nationally representative surveys provide data for monitoring progress towards national and international goals, generate baselines for country programmes, and are used extensively to gather new insights into children’s well-being. In the three rounds of MICS, since the late 2000s, UNICEF has undertaken extensive methodological work on developing new survey instruments and assessing the performance of existing instruments. Much of this is done through the examination of MICS datasets, resulting in the publication of various peer-reviewed journal articles, papers in the grey literature (mainly the MICS Methodological Papers series) and presentations within and outside of UNICEF.

UNICEF currently seeks a statistics consultant (MICS data analysis) to provide support to analysis of MICS data, with an interest in data analysis related to methodological development and of substantive issues important to UNICEF.

This consultancy is under the direct supervision of the Statistics Specialist (Household Surveys and Censuses) who is tasked as the focal point for methodological work and further analysis for the MICS programme.

Purpose

The consultant is tasked to support analysis activities using MICS data via:

• Analysis of MICS data in support of development of new indicators and tools, and for the assessment of quality of data of newly developed modules
• Assisting the development of data quality measures for MICS surveys, in collaboration with other experts
• Supporting the development of tools and content of the MICS Further Analysis workshops

International and domestic travel of approximately 10% of time is expected.

Expected results: (measurable results)

1. Analysis of MICS data
   1. Conceptualize and implement 1-2 analyses using MICS data and preparation of draft papers for publication, in collaboration with other experts
   2. Finalize existing analyses using MICS data and publish in the MICS methodological paper series
   3. Support data analysis of existing MICS surveys to examine patterns and features of data collected
2. Assisting the development of a data quality index for MICS surveys, resulting in a tool for internal use
   1. Reviews literature and unpublished work on data quality in household surveys to provide analytical insight into various indices used to measure quality
   2. Provides data analysis support to develop different measures of data quality under the guidance of household survey experts at UNICEF
   3. Creates replicable analytical tools for use in measuring data quality
   4. Documents findings on MICS data quality
3. Support the development of further analysis workshops
   1. Develops concept notes on MICS Further Analysis workshops for specific topics, including potential audience, partners, tools, deliverables and timelines
   2. Provides logistic support for further analysis workshops, including invitations, organization of venues, agendas and administrative notes
   3. Interfaces with academic, UN and private sector partners to develop standard analysis tools for MICS further analysis workshops

Duty Station : Full time based at UNICEF HQ with occasional travel.

Timeframe

Start date:  1 October 2018                    
End date: 30 June 2019         

Payments will be issued monthly based on the progress towards the above deliverables, a consultant report (including deliverables) and an invoice.

 Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in social sciences with a strong quantitative background in survey research, including demography, economics, statistics and public health (other disciplines considered)
• 3-5 years of work experience required in survey research and/or data analysis
• English required, other UN languages an asset
• Good analytical skills using standard statistical software such SPSS, STATA or R
• Experience with development of communications materials desirable

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.