Consultant for Data Analytics and Statistics System Strengthening

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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and commitment to building careers that contribute to the welfare of children and communities globally. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Planning, Monitoring, Data and Research (PMDR) section of UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). This position focuses on enhancing data analytics and strengthening statistical systems for children across the region. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Data and Research Manager to implement the ESAR Data Strategy and Framework for 2022–202

• The role involves providing technical assistance for national data systems, advancing child-centric survey systems, and conducting data analytics to monitor child rights across various frameworks. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that programming is inclusive and grounded in robust evidence, aligning with UNICEF’s commitment to act as “One UNICEF.”

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the regional data strategy and Africa data offer for children.
• Strengthening engagement and capacities in statistical system development planning processes for children.
• Advocating for the uptake of child-centric surveys as part of national statistical plans.
• Coordinating the MICS program across ESAR and providing technical assistance to country offices.
• Conducting regional and cross-country data analyses using various data sources.
• Organizing regional workshops and training sessions on measurement, data processing, analytics, and reporting.
• Monitoring implementation progress and documenting lessons learned.
• Supporting the development of regional monitoring frameworks and performance analytics.
• Positioning UNICEF as a knowledge leader in child rights monitoring through advanced data analytics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, demography, data science, statistics, or a related technical field, with a significant measurement and analysis component. A minimum of five years’ experience in measuring social phenomena and human populations, particularly using household surveys, is required. Candidates should have an excellent understanding of various data collection methods, including large-scale household surveys and administrative data systems. Knowledge of the data analysis life cycle, statistical modeling, and experience in developing countries is highly desirable. Familiarity with statistical software packages such as SPSS and CSPro is required, and knowledge of R and Python is an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, demography, data science, statistics, or a related technical field is required. The educational background should include a significant measurement and analysis component, ensuring that candidates are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience in the measurement of social phenomena and human populations, particularly through household surveys. Experience with MICS or DHS surveys is preferred. Additionally, management experience in implementing measurement projects is essential, along with a strong understanding of data collection methods and the data analysis life cycle.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is designed to be a specialized role aimed at accelerating progress in strategic data and statistics system work. The contract duration is expected to be continuous, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined for various phases of the project. The consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with UNICEF teams and external partners, contributing to the overarching goal of advancing child rights through data-driven strategies. The position may involve travel within the region and requires a commitment to UNICEF’s core values and principles.