International Consultancy: Development of toolkit for Census analytics for children- Remote.

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background and Justification

Censuses are large and important statistical exercises, collecting foundational data on populations â including children. However, census data is still not widely used to generate child-specific information and products. This is a missed opportunity to leverage an existing data generation system to improve data use, strategic planning and decisions grounded in data for children.

The development of Census Analytics for Children is anchored in the ESA Regional Data Strategy and Framework (DSF) 2022-25. The DSF Pillar 4 â Mainstream Demand for Data for Children anchors around analytics and strengthening producer and user engagements on child related data and statistics, furthermore, this is aligned to the countrysâ ambitions and priorities in leveraging analytics for evidence-based policies for children. More specifically, the analytics tool will improve the generation of data-driven analysis, dissemination and use from the census database.

Purpose, objectives & expected results

The purpose of the initiative is to strengthen child related data demand, analysis and use in Eastern and Southern Africa towards evidence-based policy, advocacy and realizing children rights while leaving no one behind. Recently completed censuses in the region provide an opportunity for further:

Engagement with relevant stakeholders on child rights related data and statistics demand generation Support strengthening of capacities on child related data analytics Promote the use of census data for child rights monitoring and evidence-based decision making

The expected results of the assignment include a relevant and user-friendly suite of tools which facilitates the creation of child related data products and can be used to achieve the above objectives.

Scope of Work

The exercise will cover multiple countries within the UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa region, with a focus on Botswana and Zimbabwe. The toolkit development for more than one country in the region allows for opportunities to share lessons and challenges between contexts.

The country offices will lead the engagement with relevant national counterparts to further unpacking the specifics of the initiative in each country context.

Some of the key stakeholders to be considered:

National statistics institution â as lead producer and custodian of Census data Ministries of health, education, social affairs, and other relevant ministries Civil society organizations and other child rights related organizations Local authorities and communities Children and youth

As the toolkit can also be a resource beyond the participating countries, the regional office will act as an overall coordinator and ensure cross country synergies.

The development of a toolkit for Census analytics for children Census analytics for children includes child related data needs, data review, algorithm development, tool creation, stakeholder engagement and dissemination of the product and accompanying toolkit.

More specifically, the contractor will carry out the following:

Review available and accessible census modules and variables against child relevant indicators Develop metadata, codebook and algorithms for the production of child related indicators Develop relevant analytical package and tools for generating on-demand statistics for children from Census data Engage relevant users-producers at various levels for ensuring relevance and use of the products. Design with flexibility to generate online and offline products such as maps and info graphs for use at any aggregation level Develop relevant training guides on Census Analytics for Children Toolkit

Payment Schedule

The payment schedule is based on deliverables as per the table upon delivery of satisfactory and complete products.

The incumbent is expected to be proactive and provide, upon request, concise updates on progress via email to the managers of the contract. Any anticipated delays are to be flagged immediately as well as proactive potential solutions.

As part of the priorities identified, the aim of the initiative is to commence latest Q4 and end Q1 given further design parameters.

Deliverables

Timeline

Payment

Kick-off meeting -

30 Nov 2023

Inception report

15 Dec 2023

20%

Census mapping of participating country questionnaires

15 Jan 2024

Country consultations â Botswana and Zimbabwe

Jan-Feb 2024

Submission of metadata, codebook, algorithms and platform for the two countries at least

31 Mar 2024

40%

Commissioning and ensuring the platform performs and can generate the needed products for the countries

15 Apr 2024

Submission of final analytical package and tools, and presentation of findings during an official launch

30 Apr 2024

20%

Development and submission of customization and training guides

15 May 2024

20%

Bidders are expected to elaborate quality assurance processes throughout every stage of the work that mitigates risks that could undermine quality of the work and deliverables. This should, for example, entail internal QA procedures that ensures quality drafts before sharing with UNICEF for review including timely management and delivery of products as per agreed workplan.

Desired competencies, technical background and experience

The candidate should have:

At least Masterâs degree qualifications in statistics, data science, development economics, social statistics, research or similar disciplines. A first level university degree with at least 5 years of experience could also be considered. At least 5 years proven experience in development work on data, statistics, and analysis related to child rights and wellbeing. Experience in Low and Middle-income country contexts is highly desirable Have proven experience working with child related data, statistics and indicators relevant to national policies and strategies. Understanding and experience working with censuses and household survey data is required. Experience with consultative and participatory approaches in developing guidelines and tools Excellent drafting, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, and ability to think innovatively and strategically Knowledge and experience with open-source software on data analysis, visualization and presentation is required (ex. R, python and relevant libraries). Experience in developing bespoke solutions. Fluency in English. Working level of French/Portuguese is an advantage. In addition, the candidate must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of: Care Respect Integrity Trust Accountability Sustainability The consultant should demonstrate the following competencies for the assignment[2] Building and maintaining partnership Demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness Innovating and embracing change Driving to achieve results for impact Thinking and acting strategically Working collaboratively with others

Administrative issues

As this is a remote-based consultancy the working hours will be arranged with the consultant â ideally to be available within the core hours of CET/EAT. Any planned travel will be by most economical fare and reimbursement will be as per UNICEF policy. The consultant is expected to be home based with potential travel (to the participating countries) for a consultation depending on COVID-19 travel restrictions for which the UNICEF office would cover subsistence allowances and travel costs. Candidates should provide an all-inclusive cost for the assignment and a 3-day travel plan to Nairobi, Kenya 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. 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.

Conditions

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered âstaff membersâ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFâs policies and procedures and will 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. All products, codes and documents developed under this consultancy are the intellectual property of UNICEF and cannot be used by the contractors further without express permission While engaging with country national statistical systems local laws would need to be upheld in sharing and transferring of data.

Risks

The consultant should also identify potential risks that can impact quality and timeliness of the work and suggest relevant mitigating measures. A more comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation measures will be developed as part of inception report, though some challenges include: Delays in securing the relevant stakeholders for consultations and/or incomplete or insufficient responses Limited availability of high-quality documentation High volume of documentation Various and differing ideas and inputs from stakeholders

  How to apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit to the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System):

a cover letter â highlighting suitability and experience for the job (no more than 1 page â focus on relevant experience and qualifications vis-à-vis the TOR) CV or P11 form, and technical proposal (not more than 2 pages on their understanding and proposed approach â clarifying how you will the objectives met) Two references/examples of similar work and published/accessible that can be shared Financial proposal, indicative of all-inclusive costs;

Interested candidates to indicate their ability, availability, and rate (daily/monthly) expressed in US$ to undertake the terms of reference. The fees should be inclusive of other costs incurred such as travel or subsistence allowances for international consultants who might have a travel.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the worldâs 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:   

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 âstaff membersâ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFâs 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.