Call for a pool of Household Survey Experts (Survey design, Data Processing and Sampling) for UNICEF Regional office for Europe and Central Asia

UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) seeks to establish a pool of technically vetted candidates specializing in supporting household surveys as consultants. The type of expertise looked for include (1) household survey expertise (survey design, questionnaire design and testing, fieldwork training and monitoring), (2) data processing and (3) sampling experts. Becoming a technically vetted candidate with UNICEF is a one-off standard application that opens the door for potentially multiple consultancy assignments in ECA Region within 3 years following the selection and reference checks process. Over these three years, UNICEF will make extensive use of the pool  for eligible consultancy requirements at the regional office and/or country offices; this is, therefore, a unique opportunity for any interested and qualified consultant to submit one single application and, if selected to be immediately considered for any future assignments by UNICEF ECA in the relevant area of expertise.

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.

For every child, results

UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) seeks to establish a pool of technically vetted candidates specializing in supporting household surveys as consultants. The type of expertise looked for include (1) household survey expertise (survey design, questionnaire design and testing, fieldwork training and monitoring), (2) data processing and (3) sampling experts.

Becoming a technically vetted candidate with UNICEF is a one-off standard application that opens the door for potentially multiple consultancy assignments in ECA Region within 3 years following the selection and reference checks process. Over these three years, UNICEF will make extensive use of the pool  for eligible consultancy requirements at the regional office and/or country offices; this is, therefore, a unique opportunity for any interested and qualified consultant to submit one single application and, if selected to be immediately considered for any future assignments by UNICEF ECA in the relevant area of expertise.

BACKGROUND

UNICEF is an organization with a universal mandate, representing the interest of children –- over one-third of the global population. The mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child and ensure every child has the opportunity to lead a decent life, realize their potential, and have their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled. The Strategic Plan 2022-2025 explicitly recognizes the critical role of evidence in achieving these results.

As an organization, UNICEF has to respond to a world that is changing faster than ever before, changes that represent threats and opportunities. In this context, evidence becomes an increasingly important asset; evidence to guide interventions in favour of children in a diverse and changing landscape; evidence on if and how particular innovations and technological changes can work for children; evidence to underpin policy advocacy toward governments and other actors who set the policies that will make the most difference for children.

How can you make a difference?

The household survey enables getting the right data into the right hands at the right time to impact decisions for children. It requires the appropriate balance of data demand, supply, and use. When all three pieces are functioning well, data can inform strategic planning, situation monitor and adjust government system performance, and engage communities in dialogue. When any element of this chain falls short, the potential of data to improve results for children also falls short. UNICEF's approach to data is based on a commitment to strengthening government systems. Because data are a core element of every part of the government with which UNICEF interacts, it is not limited to a single government office or sector. UNICEF also has a leadership role in influencing the policies, standards, and investments – both within and outside of government – that shape the future of data.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office seeks technical expertise, competencies, and skills in the household survey design, data processing and sampling to support the above. Therefore, potential candidates will be required to have relevant professional experience (at least five years) as well as expertise and competencies in the majority of these sub-areas as below and as applicable to the applicant.

1. Household Survey Expertise

• Design a survey plan                                                  
• Develop/customize questionnaires               
• Pre-test questionnaires, including preparation of pre-test report
• Manage/facilitate field-work training of enumerators/interviewers
• Monitor fieldwork and interpretation of field check tables
• Review and finalize tabulation plan in line with indicators
• Prepare/review and finalize survey report

2. Data Processing Expertise

• Develop and/or customize CAPI applications for survey
• Test the survey CAPI application
• Train the enumerators/interviewers and supervisors
• Provide data processing support to survey teams in the field
• Develop, customize and review SPPS syntaxes in line with the agreed tabulation plan
• Monitor the quality of data
• Facilitate primary and secondary data editing
• Incorporate weights in the survey database
• Finalize survey data for analysis        

3. Sampling Expertise

• Lead sample size calculation and sample allocation
• Lead selection of enumeration areas from the latest sampling frame
• Support household listing training and operation
• Support selection of households
• Lead sample weight calculations

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

• Advanced university degree from an accredited academic institution in statistics, epidemiology, social science, data science, qualitative, quantitative and/or economics or related field,
• Minimum of five years of experience in one or more of the areas listed above
• Sectoral expertise in at least one of UNICEF's regional priorities for children in the region: human and child rights; child protection; access to the justice system; early learning and school readiness; Early Childhood Development; inclusive quality education; maternal and child health; prevention, care and treatment of children with HIV and AIDS; social protection; social inclusion; gender equality; public finance management; protection from risks of disasters; and adolescent well-being.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

•  Meet the requirements of the survey expert profiles as above and as indicated in the additional technical questions of the application.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
• Able to work with different stakeholders from government institutions, academia, and NGOs;
• Able to produce high-quality reports and presentations;
• Able to demonstrate, apply and share evidence derived from research;
• Adopt a flexible attitude and adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances;
• Computer literate – MS office – Excel, PowerPoint ;
• Fluent in English
• Preferably at least one of the major languages used in the region (desirable),
• Knowledge of statistical tool (desirable);
• Publications in reputed journals (desirable);

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to apply online and duly complete the online profile and application form. Please provide your daily fee. Applications without daily fee will not be considered.

For the question "Please state your overall fee for the whole assignment including all travel cost related and other expenses related to the assignment" reply "N/A at this point" 

Please apply to the call by the stated in the announcement deadline and do not keep your submission till the last minute please.

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.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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

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.