Senior Sampling Consultant for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on various aspects of child welfare, including health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF operates in more than 145 countries, striving to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.

Job Overview:
The Senior Sampling Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) program, which aims to strengthen UNICEF's support mechanisms for implementing partners in various countries. The consultant will provide high-level expertise in sampling, which is essential for the design, implementation, and reporting stages of surveys. The consultant's responsibilities will include advising on sampling designs, calculating sample weights, and reviewing sampling-related components of survey reports. The position is vital as UNICEF continues to launch new rounds of MICS surveys, with the 7th round (MICS7) already in progress and additional surveys planned. The consultant will ensure that implementing partners receive timely technical assistance, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of data collection efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Sampling Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Advising and reviewing MICS sample designs to ensure methodological rigor.
• Calculating and reviewing sample weights to ensure accurate representation in survey results.
• Assessing and calculating sampling errors to maintain the integrity of the data collected.
• Reviewing sampling-related chapters of MICS survey final reports to provide constructive feedback.
• Contributing to the MICS7 Sampling Methodology appraisal webinar to share best practices and insights.
• Participating in the development and updates of MICS8 Sampling Tools to enhance future survey methodologies. The consultant will be expected to deliver a series of technical reports and participate in global consultation meetings, providing feedback and suggestions to countries involved in the surveys.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Survey Sampling or Statistics, with a strong emphasis on survey sampling methodologies. A minimum of 15 years of experience at a senior level in designing samples for household surveys is required. Expertise in the sampling methodologies used in MICS and/or Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) is essential. Proficiency in various PC/web applications, including SPSS, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint, is necessary. Additionally, candidates should have extensive experience working in developing countries on sampling projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances involved in such environments. Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a master's degree or equivalent, in Survey Sampling or Statistics. This educational background should include specialized expertise in survey sampling methodologies, which is crucial for the effective execution of the consultant's responsibilities.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience in a senior role focused on designing samples for household surveys. This extensive experience should include a proven track record of working with MICS and/or DHS methodologies, showcasing the ability to navigate complex sampling challenges in various contexts, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in at least one additional language such as Spanish, French, Arabic, or Russian. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the MICS program.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from November 30, 2025, to November 29, 2028, with a remote working arrangement. The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the entire assignment. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances for any required international travel. The selected candidate must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award. Payment for professional fees will be contingent upon the submission of satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables do not meet the required standards or if there are delays in submission. Additionally, selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.