Consultancy: Data Science/Machine Learning Consultancy for UNICEF Global Programmes Evaluations

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child, everywhere. Established 70 years ago, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories, making it the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. The organization focuses on child health and nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With over 12,000 staff members in more than 145 countries, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to enhance the quality, timeliness, and cost-efficiency of evaluative evidence for UNICEF programme evaluations. The consultant will design and operate reusable data generation, integration, and analytics assets, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies. The role involves supporting the scoping, inception, and analysis phases of evaluations, with a focus on institutionalizing innovative approaches to maximize efficiency and rigor in evaluations. The consultant will work closely with the UNICEF Evaluation Office to ensure that evaluations are evidence-based and tailored to the specific context and objectives of each evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for institutionalizing innovative approaches for programme evaluations, generating meaningful evidence using secondary data sources, and developing customizable code for rapid analysis of various data types. They will improve efficiencies in evaluations by automating data processing tasks, facilitating the identification and analysis of relevant evaluation reports, and creating analytical outputs that support planning and scoping of evaluations. The consultant will also be involved in capacity development, training evaluation managers, and ensuring that all outputs are documented and disseminated effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 2 years of experience in applied data science or AI within research or evaluation contexts. They should have demonstrated skills in data science methods, including natural language processing, text mining, and machine learning. Knowledge of data protection and ethical use of data science is essential. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a multicultural environment are required, along with a proven track record of delivering quality products on time, preferably for UN entities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or Machine Learning is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in applied data science or AI, particularly in research or evaluation contexts. Experience with development or humanitarian programmes is considered an asset.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of UNICEF's work. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from December 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and is primarily remote. The selected candidate must have current health insurance coverage and will be responsible for their tax liabilities. Payment will be based on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if standards are not met. The position requires adherence to UNICEF's core values and principles, including a commitment to safeguarding and ethical conduct.