Programme Data and Analytics Consultant

Consultant Programme & Policy

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, Protection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

How can you make a difference?

Scope of Work:

The objective of this individual consultancy is to provide technical support to undertake a comprehensive analysis of major identified priority themes and/or issues for specific programme areas with respect to realization of children and women rights to generate insights for use in programme adjustments and course corrections.

The analysis will be undertaken through the lens of inequities and child deprivations to be able to understand the situation of children especially those who are not being seen through the current data sets such as children with disabilities, minorities etc. The analysis where possible should also provide an update of the socio-economic situation of children and women in Afghanistan with a focus on what drives and sustains and, in some cases, worsens deprivations of children rights. In addition, provide a snapshot of those actors and/or structures enabling progressive, steady realization of rights for all children. The outcome of the analysis should be analytical establishing causalities of risks, inequalities, and non-realization of children’s rights, as well as the responsible actors for realizing the rights of children and women.

The comprehensive analysis is meant primarily to draw on various documents, reports, administrative data, programme data and evidence generated by staff through programme monitoring, donors, NGOs, INGOs and other UN agencies over the course of programme implementation, including situation data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICs). In addition, the analysis will also draw from office-wide studies, reviews, evaluations, and assessments conducted covering the various thematic areas relevant to UNICEF’s programmes including data from UNICEF’s internal monitoring systems.

Findings from this comprehensive analysis will be used to reflect on programme strategies, priorities, emerging issues, progress towards achievement of output results and for course correction to improve the quality of programme for improved programme effectiveness and efficiencies.

Therefore, UNICEF ACO is seeking the services of an individual consultant to be established through Long Term Agreements (LTAs) to provide technical support in conducting the analysis.

Programme area and specific project area:

All programme areas in the office [ Health, Nutrition, Child Protection, Education, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Gender and Adolescents.

Objective(s):

The objective of this individual consultancy is to conduct analysis of data to answer agreed priority questions, provide recommendations and actions for use in course correction to improve programme quality. A review of programme interventions for each programme area using available data (monitoring and situation data). This process will contribute to the annual reviews at mid-year and annual whereby country offices are required to gather and review evidence for use in the meetings. This will also allow the office to institutionalize the process of data preparation and data analysis in the lead-up to the annual reviews by developing a blueprint and/or plan for gathering, reviewing, and analysing data to facilitate programme reviews. Further, it will provide recommendations on areas of improvement to strengthen data and monitoring systems.

Below are the specific objectives for this assignment:

i. Programming environment: Provide an in-depth understanding and a synthesis of the programme environment by analysing the social, political, and economic trends affecting situation of children, adolescents, and women {disaggregated by age, gender, urban/rural, regional, wealth and other criteria relevant to the context}.

ii. Equity analysis and deprivations: Using available data and information, identify and analyze the trends, patterns, incidence, and cause of deprivations disaggregated by relevant groups of the population. Analysis of programme coverage is imperative to understand how geographical and socio-economic inequities can be addressed in programming.

iii. Barriers and bottlenecks: Analyze the barriers and bottlenecks that prevent disadvantaged children {boys and girls} from benefitting from required services especially in the most deprived areas (provinces, districts) of the country. The immediate, underlying and root causes should be examined, including the social, political environment and economic conditions and gender norms that result in shortfalls in the creation of an enabling environment for the realisation of children rights.

iv. Gender inequalities: Analyse the extent to which gender inequalities and fulfilment /non-fulfilment of the rights of women affect overall inequalities and deprivations, including those affecting children, adolescents, and women.

v. Programme Analysis: Analyze the programme using several dimensions to tell the story of the programme in a comprehensive manner. Some of these dimensions include results achievement, programme supplies, risks, resources and/or funding, lessons learnt in programming, Value for Money (VfM), beneficiary voices, partnerships, and collaborations to achieve results. This analysis would involve documentation of lessons learnt from programming.

vi. Analysis will also examine the extent to which programme interventions and services required to address deprivations are prioritized in the work plans and are adequate and effective to achieve planned results. This would include an analysis of the current programme annual work plan strategies, identify relevant ones, and propose where relevant strategies required to achieve results for children, adolescents, and women in Afghanistan. In addition, cross-cutting themes such as Social Behavior Change (SBC), gender inequalities will also be analysed where applicable.

vii. Programme effectiveness: Examine the extent to which outlined programme interventions in the work plans achieve the expected planned results, process of how those results were achieved, intended and un-intended effects of programming. By gathering programme data on the status of indicators, coverage, Value for Money (VfM) and quality of programme interventions including operational data on programme implementation. This effectiveness review will also assess what opportunities are available for programmes to leverage on to accelerate delivery of results.

viii. Programmatic risks: Assess the current or potential presence of emergency risks, including conflict, disaster risks, and other potential shocks; the likelihood of their occurrence, the underlying vulnerabilities, the nature of the hazard and the particularly vulnerable groups that will be affected. The capacities and coping mechanisms of families, communities, local and national institutions to mitigate these risks and deal with shocks should also be assessed.

ix. Capacity building: Provide capacity building of ACO programme staff (monitoring, Monitoring and Data Working Group, Results Managers) on how to implement designed methodology for analysis. This will form part of each assignment to ensure transfer of skills and established methodology is institutionalized.

x. For each specific objective a comprehensive proposal with specific requirements in terms of key questions, methodology, outline of report will be submitted for review and approval.

Methodology:

The individual consultant will use different methodologies, approaches, and techniques to achieve each of the objective outlined above. Some of these methodologies include, desk review, secondary data analysis of available data. Where applicable primary data collection through interviews, focus group discussions etc. to fill data gaps in the process. Further, the consultant can propose any methods which are applicable for each objective.

Major Tasks to be Accomplished:

Phases

Activities

Inception

• In consultation with UNICEF PMD and the programme section focal point (where applicable), the consultant will design a plan of how to conduct the analysis depending on agreed objective and taking consideration the parameters defined for each objective.
• Outline timeline of key activities to complete the assignment.
• Develop key questions to answer the objectives, tools and checklists required to collect, and analyse the data.
• Develop and present an Inception Report that details the understanding of the assignment (brief ToR will be shared for each objective), the approach and methodology to be used.
• The inception report will also provide an outline of the analytical report.

Assessment and review of data and information

• Review of all the available data (programme and situation), reports and any other relevant information to answer the specific objectives of the assignment.

Data collection

• Plan for data collection through consultations with programme sections, interviews, focus group discussions and where relevant with selected representative groups, partners to complement the desk review process.

Analysis and reporting

• Develop an analytical report for discussion and review by UNICEF PMD section. The format of the report and outline will be agreed upon between consultant and PMD section.

Validation and Dissemination

• Develop a power point presentation with the key findings and recommendations.
• Present the key findings and recommendations to UNICEF Afghanistan programme section for discussion.

Work Assignments Overview

Deliverables/Outputs

Delivery Deadline

Inception

• Inception Report

7 Days

Assessment and review of data and information

• Preliminary findings from the analysis

10 Days

Data collection, analysis, and reporting

• Draft Analytical Report

7 Days

Review, validation, and Dissemination.

• A PowerPoint slide deck
• Final Analytical Report

3 Days

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

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or Higher) in Statistics, Sociology, or related fields. UNICEF will evaluate the proposal submitted/expression of interest and select an individual that complies with the following qualifications.
• A Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in secondary data analysis, development of analytical reports and applying statistical expertise (examples of previous work may be required).
• Strong analytical capacity and experience in data visualization.
• A strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential. This includes experience designing research studies, data collection tools, and sampling strategies. Familiarity with various data analysis techniques, including statistical analysis and qualitative coding, is necessary for integrating and interpreting mixed methods data.
• Practical experience working in humanitarian settings is highly valuable. This could involve working directly with affected communities, local organizations, or UN agencies, gaining first-hand knowledge of the challenges and dynamics of these contexts. Field experience helps ensure that research approaches are contextually appropriate and sensitive to the local cultural, social, and political factors.
• Proficiency in a wide range of data collection methods is important. This includes expertise in conducting surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Understanding the challenges of data collection in humanitarian settings, such as limited resources, security concerns, and language barriers, is crucial for designing effective data collection strategies.
• Competency in data analysis using both qualitative and quantitative software is essential. Proficiency in statistical analysis software like SPSS, R, or Stata is valuable for analysing quantitative data. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo or ATLAS. It is important for analysing qualitative data. Additionally, skills in data visualization and report writing are necessary for effectively communicating findings to different stakeholders.
• Previous experience in analyzing, designing and /or managing similar programs is considered a strong asset.
• Excellent command of English, both oral and written.
• Knowledge and understanding of the country’s context within the region.
• Experience in working with UNICEF and/or other UN Agencies will be an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors 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.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Interested consultants are required to apply online, indicating availability and all-inclusive lump sum fee to undertake the terms of reference.

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.

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Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unicef.org