Sampling Consultancy for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS)

Background & Rationale

Statistically sound and internationally comparable data are essential for developing evidence-based policies and programmes, as well as for monitoring countries’ progress toward national goals and global commitments. Since 1995, UNICEF has supported the implementation of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), assisting countries in generating high quality data on the situation of children and women. Over the last two decades, 277 MICS surveys have been conducted in 108 countries.

MICS enables countries to produce statistically sound and internationally comparable estimates of a range of indicators in the areas of health, education, child protection, water and sanitation and HIV and AIDS. For many countries, MICS surveys are among the most important sources of data used for situation analyses, policy decisions and programme interventions, and for influencing the public opinion on the situation of children and women.

UNICEF is currently supporting the fifth round of MICS surveys which is expected to be completed at the end of 2015. MICS is generating information for over 20 MDG indicators and, along with other nationally representative household surveys, has been critically important for final MDG reporting. The surveys conducted during the fifth round of the programme also contribute to the establishment of the baselines for the post-2015 agenda or 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

MICS surveys are usually carried out by government organizations, with the support and technical assistance of UNICEF. When countries adhere to the MICS protocols and recommendations, and make use of the standard tools provided, the survey process goes very smoothly. However, in many countries, the provision of survey tools alone has not been sufficient without the additional support of experts providing technical assistance. As part of the MICS5 programme, UNICEF has continued to strengthen the technical support, so that implementing partners can receive the required level of technical assistance at critical survey stages, on a timely basis.

The number of countries conducting MICS5 surveys in has already exceeded 50. To support the ongoing surveys during the rest of the year 2015, UNICEF HQ will hire an experienced sampling consultant to advise countries on sampling related issues, provide feedback on data analysis (calculation of sample weights), and report writing (review of sampling related components of final reports).

Purpose

(a) As indicated by independent MICS Evaluations and the vast experience gained during the implementation of MICS since 2009, special attention needs to be paid to issues related to survey sampling, as this is a highly technical field on which countries require a significant amount of support. It is essential that sampling guidance to countries is given in a standard manner and of the highest quality, and that countries receive the guidance and assistance that they need in order to develop and implement appropriate sampling strategies for their surveys. Specifically, country level support is needed in the following sampling-related areas of work:

· Reviews of sample designs

· Calculation of sample weights

· Calculation of sampling errors

· Review of sampling related chapter of the survey final reports

(b) Sampling support needs to be provided from a distance to the countries at the critical stages of survey implementation.

To these ends, UNICEF HQ needs to work with a sampling expert who can provide such support, whenever needed. Due to the highly technical nature of the work involved, it is essential that an experienced international expert who will be able to follow specific recommendations of the MICS programme is mobilized.

In order to meet these objectives, UNICEF requires the support of external sampling expertise.

Expected results: (measurable results)

Reports on reviews of sampling plans, sample weight calculations and sampling chapters in MICS country reports

Review, revise, and send feedback about the sampling plans developed by the statistical agencies designing MICS surveys as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work (31 March 2016).

Review, advise or, if necessary, calculate the sample weights for MICS surveys/countries after the data collection is completed before they proceed with the data analyses as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work (31 March 2016).

Review the relevant chapters of the MICS survey/country reports as they become available during the contract period and a summary report should be submitted at the end of the contract period describing the details of the work (31 March 2016).

Duty Station

Remote-based.

Timeframe

Start date:15 November 2015

End date:31 March 2016

Confidentiality of Data and MICS Documents

The Sampling Consultant must respect the confidentiality of the MICS data as well as any country specific MICS documents that will be produced throughout the MICS process. The consultant can use the documents and the datasets only for the tasks related to these terms of reference.

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline

• At least a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Survey Sampling or Statistics with special expertise in survey sampling
• At least 10 years’ of senior level experience in designing samples for household surveys
• Must have expertise with the sampling methodology of household surveys like MICS or DHS (Demographic and Health Surveys)
• Experience working in developing countries
• Fluency in English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian

Applicants are requested to send their submissions to < pdconsultants@unicef.org>with subject line:

“**Sampling Consultancy for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS)”**by 09 Nov 2015, 5:00pm EST.

Applications must include:

· Cover letter,

· CV, and

· P-11 form[1] (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc)

· Indicate where you heard about this advertisement

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit

[1]*P 11 form can be downloaded from our website at*http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/Personal_History_P11.doc