Consultant Roster for Social & Economic Policy Unit

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF Innocenti is a research office that focuses on critical issues affecting children, both current and emerging. Established to provide evidence-based insights for decision-makers, it aims to create a better and safer world for children. The organization undertakes extensive research using both primary and secondary data, ensuring that the voices of children and families are represented. It employs foresight methodologies to set agendas for children's issues, including horizon scanning, trends analysis, and scenario development. The office is known for producing a diverse library of high-level reports and policy papers, facilitating debate and advocacy on children's rights and welfare.

Job Overview:
The position involves joining the Social & Economic Policy (SEP) unit at UNICEF Innocenti, which is focused on conducting research related to social protection, child poverty, and public finance. The unit is in the process of establishing a Roster of Consultants who will be pre-qualified to provide a variety of research services. These services may include quantitative and qualitative data collection, data analysis, literature reviews, and writing research outputs such as reports and academic articles. The SEP unit is looking for candidates with specific skillsets in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, particularly in the context of social development programs in low- and middle-income countries. Candidates can apply for multiple skillsets if they meet the requirements, and the roster will be categorized by tiers based on years of experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Consultants will be responsible for conducting various research activities, which may include but are not limited to: performing quantitative and qualitative data collection, analyzing data to derive insights, conducting literature reviews, and drafting high-quality research outputs such as reports, briefs, and academic articles. They will work under the supervision of a staff member from the SEP unit and will coordinate with other research team members, both internal and external. Consultants are expected to manage their work from their own location and will not be required to be present at the Innocenti office. They will also need to participate in the evaluation process, which includes a desk review and possibly a technical test to assess their qualifications and competencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess one or more of the following skillsets: a quantitative skillset focused on impact evaluations of cash transfers and social protection interventions; a qualitative skillset for impact and process evaluations; expertise in public finance, budget analysis, and macro-econometrics; political economy analysis skills; or proficiency in data science, machine learning, and big data analytics. Each skillset has specific requirements that candidates must meet, and they are encouraged to review the detailed criteria outlined in the provided document.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that aligns with the skillsets they are applying for. This typically includes advanced degrees in fields such as economics, social sciences, public policy, or related disciplines. The level of education will be evaluated as part of the screening process, with higher qualifications being favored for higher-tier positions.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by tier. Candidates must demonstrate professional research experience relevant to the skillset they are applying for, with a minimum number of years specified for each tier. Experience working with UNICEF or other international organizations is highly valued and can contribute to a higher score during the evaluation process.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates may also be proficient in other relevant languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic. Depending on the assignment, candidates should be fully proficient in either English or another relevant language, along with a working knowledge of English.

Additional Notes:
The Roster will remain open for applications until the end of 2025, with initial screenings occurring one month after the opening date and subsequent screenings every quarter. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee a contract, as contracting will be negotiated based on specific needs as they arise. Interested candidates must complete their online profile, provide references, submit a CV without photographs, and include a covering letter detailing their skillset, availability, and daily rate. Applications missing any required elements will not be considered.