Financing Data Systems Consultant: Strategic Approaches for Country Action

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is the world's leading organization dedicated to children's rights and welfare. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on promoting children's survival, protection, and development, and is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, and employs over 12,000 staff across more than 145 countries.

Job Overview:
The Financing Data Systems Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), which are essential for producing reliable and comparable data on the conditions of children, women, and families. This position aims to shift the paradigm of national statistical systems from reliance on external aid to securing domestic resources through established public finance management processes. The consultant will develop an analytical report and operational toolkit to assist governments and UNICEF in planning, costing, and financing regular MICS and child-centered household surveys. The role requires a deep understanding of public finance management, budget analysis, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to strengthen domestic financing for data systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze MICS financing patterns over the past decade, identifying trends, cost structures, and funding models across regions and income groups.
• Document countries that predominantly fund MICS or similar surveys, examining the mechanisms enabling this transition.
• Compare MICS financing experiences with other major survey programs to draw lessons on sustainability.
• Assess global initiatives promoting data financing and identify opportunities for UNICEF.
• Develop practical guidance and advocacy tools for NSOs and UNICEF to influence public finance decisions.
• Foster dialogue through workshops and dissemination events with key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in economics, public finance, statistics, public policy, or a related social science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public finance management, budget analysis, or domestic resource mobilization for social sectors or data systems.
• Specific experience in analyzing financing of national data systems or household surveys is an asset.
• Proven record in producing analytical reports and guidance notes for policy and technical audiences.
• Familiarity with global initiatives on data financing is an asset.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English; proficiency in other UN languages is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, or other related technical fields with a significant measurement or analysis component. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of data systems and public finance management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in public finance management, budget analysis, or domestic resource mobilization specifically for social sectors or data systems. Candidates with specific experience in analyzing financing of national data systems or household surveys will be preferred, as this expertise is crucial for the role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with various stakeholders and producing high-quality reports and guidance materials.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote and spans from 24 November 2025 to 15 December 202

• Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit a financial proposal reflecting the costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international travel is required. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance coverage and may be subject to background checks. UNICEF adheres to strict child safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims.