Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (MICS)

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's workforce is dedicated to creating a positive impact on children's lives and communities worldwide, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (MICS) will play a crucial role in supporting the UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office (PMCO) and the Kiribati National Statistics Office (KNSO) in the preparation, implementation, and completion of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in Kiribati. This position requires a strong focus on technical guidance and quality assurance throughout the survey process. The specialist will be responsible for advising and supporting the KNSO, particularly the Survey Coordinator and data processing experts, ensuring adherence to MICS protocols and recommendations. The role involves effective communication between UNICEF PMCO and KNSO, addressing MICS-related needs, and coordinating the work of resource persons providing technical assistance. The specialist will also represent UNICEF in relevant meetings and workshops, ensuring that the survey methodology, tools, and guidelines are effectively presented to stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a culturally rich and remote Pacific island setting, contributing to meaningful development impact while navigating the challenges of limited infrastructure and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide primary technical and managerial support to the MICS in Kiribati.
• Present the MICS methodology, tools, and guidelines to partners and stakeholders, including ministries and UN agencies.
• Collaborate with national partners and UNICEF PMCO to finalize the Survey Plan and Budget, including the timetable.
• Prepare and submit the MICS proposal to the National Research Review Committee for endorsement.
• Ensure ethical protocols are addressed during survey implementation and that all MICS-related documents are shared with the national Ethical Committee for approval.
• Oversee each stage of the survey process, ensuring adherence to MICS protocols and standards.
• Communicate regularly with UNICEF PMCO and the UNICEF MICS Team, addressing MICS-related issues promptly.
• Provide monthly updates on MICS activities to relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the work of KNSO specialists and the UNICEF MICS Team, ensuring effective collaboration. 1
• Ensure external technical reviews are conducted at key survey stages and coordinate feedback between stakeholders. 1
• Archive all survey-related documents and deliverables throughout the survey process. 1
• Participate in MICS Steering and Technical Committee meetings and contribute to regional workshops. 1
• Organize and facilitate national Data Interpretation and Report Compilation Workshops as needed. 1
• Document lessons learned, problems, and good practices throughout the MICS process and share them with the MICS community. 1
• Support planning and customization of other MICS initiatives in collaboration with relevant experts.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Master’s University degree in Demography, Statistics, Social Sciences, Epidemiology, or a related technical field is required. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in coordinating and managing quantitative household surveys, with prior experience in MICS or Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) preferred.
• Strong computer skills and expertise in statistical analyses, particularly with data processing and analysis software such as SPSS.
• Experience with CAPI data collection is required.
• Proven ability to organize and facilitate training and presentations.
• Experience in data analysis and survey report writing is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s University degree in a relevant field such as Demography, Statistics, Social Sciences, or Epidemiology. A Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding statistical methodologies and survey processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the coordination and management of quantitative household surveys. Experience with MICS or DHS is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and a proven track record in managing survey processes effectively, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. Familiarity with the Pacific region and local languages may enhance communication and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kiribati, which offers a unique opportunity to work in a remote and culturally rich environment. Candidates should be prepared for modest living conditions and a slower pace of life, with limited infrastructure and services. The role may require extensive travel within the country and participation in regional workshops. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates, particularly women, individuals from the East Asia and Pacific region, and persons with disabilities. The organization provides a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.