Statistics and Monitoring Specialist – Data Processing (P-4), D&A Section, DAPM – New York HQ #53066

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.
Statistically sound and internationally comparable data are essential for developing evidence-based policies and programmes. Such data are also critical for monitoring progress toward national goals and global commitments. Since 1995, UNICEF has supported countries to collect data on the situation of children and women using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS).  These large-scale, nationally representative surveys provide baselines for country programmes, monitor progress towards national and international goals and are used extensively to gather new insight into children’s well-being. To date, more than 350 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys have been carried out in 118 countries, generating data on key indicators on the well-being of children and women, and helping shape policies for the improvement of their lives.

Research using MICS data, both country-specific further analysis and comparative research for multiple countries, is a key component of the MICS Programme. Encouragement to exploit the collected data beyond the content of the survey reports has been an integral part of the programme’s capacity building and data literacy mandate. To further facilitate widespread utilization of MICS data, and introduce the global community to new ways of analyzing and visualizing MICS findings, the MICS programme is improving the access of the public to MICS micro data by developing an online easy-to-use web platform, the MICS Tabulator, that will allow users to generate custom tables for multiple surveys, create visual representations and mapping of MICS data, without the need to download micro data on local computers or use sophisticated statistical packages for analysis.

For every child, clean hands…

Your primary function will be to provide technical advice and assistance related to the data processing of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). This will focus on leading and coordinating work on the design, development, documentation, capacity enhancement, implementation and technical assistance related to all aspects of the data processing of the MICS surveys, including digital data collection, real-time fieldwork monitoring, data editing, analysis and data dissemination. 

How can you make a difference?

Leads and oversees the design, testing and validation of MICS data processing and analysis tools, including improvements of MICS digital data collection and fieldwork monitoring systems, analysis files and accompanied guidelines.

• Contribute to the content of, and facilitate MICS regional and global data processing workshops, including support to Regional Offices in workshop organization.
• Oversee and coordinate data processing and analysis operations including mobilization and supervision of human resources; provide guidance on standards; conduct technical reviews and communicate high level and detailed feedback on survey instruments, methodology, data processing tools and findings at Regional and Country levels to provide technical advice as needed.
• Lead work on development of MICS web-based data aggregation and tabulation system prototype to ensure widespread utilization of MICS data for evidence-based policy and decision making.
• Supervise micro-level data files harmonization work for MICS surveys, and preparation of data files for further analysis.
• Conceive and evaluate novel methodology in the area of data processing, analysis and data dissemination for integration into the MICS Programme.
• Support organization of training programs and activities for UNICEF Staff and consultants at Headquarters, Regional Offices and Country Offices to increase knowledge and harmonization required during coordination of and contribution to MICS implementation.
• Contribute to and support other workstreams in the Data Collection Unit, on further analysis, MICS Plus surveys, geospatial data collection, and dissemination activities.
• Advise the Data and Analytics Section (D&A) on trends and developments in data processing and analysis standards and methodologies, and support the preparation of analysis, reports, documents, and other materials, as needed.

To qualify as a champion for every child, the candidate must have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in computer science, mathematics, or one of the social sciences with statistics and/or related field is required. Advanced training, preferably a higher degree, in computer science or data processing, or an area with advanced statistics and data manipulation skills is desired.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience at the national and international levels in survey data processing, and other areas of applied statistics, information systems and data interpretation and use or related field is required.
• Prior experience in organizing and facilitating capacity development activities in the field of data processing and analysis is desired.
• Prior excellent knowledge of both CSPro and SPSS software packages is desired.
• Strong knowledge of other software packages used for digital data collection, data entry and editing, such as ODK and SurveySolutions, analysis packages like R, Stata, or SAS, and coding languages Python, Visual Basics or C++ is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability. To view our competency framework, please click here.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.