Home based : Data Specialist Consultant - 183 working days between 06 November 2023 and 15 August 2024 - Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, an advocate

Scope of work: Facilitate data gathering and analysis for the global child protection area of responsibility

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The Global CP AoR needs to be equipped with a centralized system for the collection and analysis of humanitarian data for child protection (children in need, children displaced, affected areas, etc.) to help streamline CP AoR data collection, management, and visualization. As a first step, this consultancy will help conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing tools to identify the required systems to be designed and implemented. This will facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the consultancy with the development of an online database based on a robust and efficient API connector or any other relevant system that facilitates the automated exchange and integration of data between the platforms or applications. The final objective is to support child protection coordination groups with a centralized database and provide country profiles and analyses based on the online data repository.

Description of the Assignment

The tasks/ responsibilities of the Data Specialist Consultant include:

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing systems and applications from external partners (UNOCHA, UNHCR, IOM/DTM, WFP, etc.) to identify the specific APIs/systems that need to be implemented for data gathering.
• Define and implement the necessary data models and protocols for data exchange between the connected systems and use the suitable programming languages and frameworks, to manage the information flow.
• Conduct thorough testing of the database and connectors to ensure its functionality, performance, and identify any bugs, errors, or inconsistencies to fix.
• Support the data processing and analysis with automated charts and infographics using the appropriate visualization tools (R coding, PBI, Tableau, etc.).
• Provide a comprehensive documentation with technical specifications of the database and develop a training package for CP AoR users.
• Facilitate the knowledge transfer with the required training sessions and coaching to the CP AoR users.
• Monitor, maintain and improve the database with additional information sources.
• Support all data analysis and data reporting tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Activity and Deliverables

Work Assignments Overview****Deliverables/Outputs****Delivery deadline Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing tools, products and systems available for CP data collection and identify the specific APIs/systems that need to be implemented for data gatheringDirectory of the tools and systems available for CP data gathering10 working days

By 20 November 2023

Define and implement the necessary data models and protocols for data exchange between the connected systems and use the suitable programming languages and frameworks to manage the information flow.Fully functional API connector / system designed30 working days

By 15 January 2024

Conduct thorough testing of the database and connectors to ensure its functionality, performance, and identify any bugs, errors, or inconsistencies to fix.Test plans, test cases, and test results documentation15 working days

By 26 January 2024

Support the data processing and analysis with automated charts and infographics using the appropriate visualization tools (R coding, PBI, Tableau, etc.).Data analysis module developed and functional - Data is restructured for easy extraction (tables) - Process and design the data into comprehensive information (visuals)30 working days

By 31 March 2024

Provide a comprehensive documentation with technical specifications of the database and develop a training package for CP AoR users.Technical documentation and training package developed - Admin user guide for the API connector/system used - User guide for data extraction/content management10 working days

By 15 April 2024

Facilitate the knowledge transfer with the required training sessions and coaching to the CP AoR users.Training and coaching sessions organized with CP users - 100% of the GCP AoR members are trained to the tool - Coaching and training requests are provided in a timely manner (within 72 hours)10 working days

By 30 June 2024

Monitor, maintain and improve the database with additional information sources.Monitoring and maintenance of the database - Perform regular data quality check, manage/answer troubleshooting issues (within 72 hours) - Improve the data analysis module as needed - Provide regular inputs (at least 3 monthly reports)58 working days

By 31 July 2024

Support all data analysis and data reporting tasks as requested by the supervisor.Inputs provided in a timely manner for reporting and information dissemination activities - HPC data is monitored - Coordination groups are supported with analysis - Inputs are generated for advocacy products, annual reports, CP AoR website, etc.20 working days

By 15 August 2024

Estimated Duration of the Contract

183 working days from 06 November 2023 to 15 August 2024

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy assignment with travel to Geneva and Budapest expected to take place between March and June 2024 respectively. Should travel take place, the consultant will be reimbursed based on actuals.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Please propose a professional fee proposal equivalent to 183 working days between 06 November 2023 and 15 August 2024 to undertake this assignment.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in Computer sciences, data analytics and/or information management in humanitarian settings.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

Required experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in data analytics, statistics, computer sciences, and/or information management in humanitarian contexts.
• Strong expertise in API development and integration, connector creation.
• Experience with authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as OAuth or JWT.
• Good knowledge of programing language (Python, JScript).
• High-level experience in methodologies and processes for managing large data sets and relational databases.
• Good knowledge of visualization software (PowerBI, Tableau) or “R” coding.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to work independently and deliver results.
• Good communication skills to collaborate with stakeholders and end-users.

Desirable experience and skills

• relevant work experience in UN agencies. Fluency in French would be of added value.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Please include a full CV, and a Financial Proposal in your application by indicating your availability and a lumpsum based on 183 working days to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.