Regional Household Survey International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing this commitment as a calling rather than just a job. UNICEF prides itself on being a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, and fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The organization also provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Regional Household Survey International Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the preparation, implementation, and quality assurance of household survey operations in various countries. This position involves providing specialized technical assistance during different phases of survey implementation, which may include both remote and on-site support. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing survey documents, overseeing MICS activities, and conducting training sessions. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) program, developed by UNICEF, is designed to collect key indicators that assess and monitor the situation of children and women. Over the years, MICS has evolved significantly, expanding from 28 indicators in its first round to over 250 in the current seventh round, making it a vital source of data for child protection, early childhood education, health, and nutrition. The consultant will ensure that the surveys are conducted according to MICS program standards and will collaborate closely with government organizations, typically the National Statistics Office, to achieve this.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Supporting the preparation and implementation of household surveys, ensuring adherence to MICS standards.
• Providing technical assistance during the various phases of survey implementation, including remote and on-site support.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on survey documents to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Overseeing MICS activities and ensuring that they are conducted effectively.
• Conducting training sessions for national counterparts on MICS survey methodology and best practices.
• Assisting in the analysis of survey data and preparing reports based on findings.
• Collaborating with National Statistics Offices and other stakeholders to strengthen capacity in survey methodologies.
• Ensuring that data collection instruments are field-tested and providing technical assistance as needed.
• Engaging in quality assessments of survey data and tabulations. 1
• Contributing to the development of survey instruments and methodologies, particularly in areas such as mental health, violence, and foundational learning.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related technical field with a significant measurement or analysis component. Additionally, candidates must possess at least 10 years of experience in coordinating and managing quantitative household surveys, particularly MICS or DHS. Experience in collaborating with National Statistics Offices in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) is essential, along with a proven track record in training and capacity strengthening of national counterparts on MICS survey methodology. Candidates should also have experience in survey data tabulations, quality assessments, and report preparations, as well as field testing of survey instruments and providing technical assistance.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, or Epidemiology. The educational background should include significant components related to measurement or analysis, which are critical for the role of a Regional Household Survey International Consultant.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the coordination and management of quantitative household surveys. This includes experience with MICS and DHS methodologies, as well as collaboration with National Statistics Offices. Candidates should have a strong background in training and capacity building, particularly in survey methodologies, and experience in data tabulation, quality assessments, and report preparation. Experience in mental health, violence, and foundational learning modules is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess strong communication skills in English to effectively engage with stakeholders and present findings. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 6 months, and the working arrangement is home-based with travel required. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.