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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, health

Please access UNICEF Sierra Leone information here and here

How can you make a difference? 

Job Organizational Context  and Purpose for the Job

At global level, the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM) promotes the use of data and monitoring to achieve transformative impact on lives of children. In Sierra Leone country context, data-driven decision-making is one of four key strategic programme focus areas contributing to accelerated results for children.

The strengthening of the link between data driven programming and real time monitoring will enable continuous learning and better realignment of programme priorities during the implementation process. The timely and up-to-date availability of accurate analytics (Situation Analysis, In-depth Secondary Data Analysis, Infographics) on the deprivations affecting children will enhance the enabling evidence-based policies, strategic programming, leveraging partnerships and adequate resource allocation for greater impact on children.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Planning & Monitoring, the Monitoring Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the UNICEF Sierra Leone has timely, updated, useful, valid and reliable data & information and has capacity for effective use of analytical data.

Summary of Key Results-based Functions/Accountabilities

1) Data Collection, Analysis, Use and Quality Assurance.

2) Methodological Development

3) Situation Analysis and Assessment of Children and Adolescents

4) Programme Performance Monitoring and Reporting.

5) Capacity Development and Country Support

6) Data Dissemination and Advocacy

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  VA TOR - Monitoring Specialist, NO-3, FT #112433.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An Advanced University Degree in Statistics, Demography, Social Sciences with strong quantitative academic background and experience is required.

• Work Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience at the national or international levels in data collection and analytics.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis tools, approaches, and methods to formulate monitoring strategies.
• Knowledge of household survey methodology to design household surveys and provide technical support to Statistics Sierra Leone, Line Ministries and Districts Information Management Unit implementing household surveys with focus on monitoring children's well-being.
• Knowledge of applied theories of change, results frameworks and performance indicators to guide the planning of programmes that can be effectively monitored and evaluated.
• Knowledge of sampling, probability theory, statistical methods and new protocols and indicators for data collection to select and/or oversee sampling for data collection, use tools and protocols to analyse representation, analyse and interpret data, and advise on
• survey implementation.
• Knowledge of AI techniques and platforms combined with Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics education to perform data science activities such as training and executing models over big data to generate evidence in support of programming and monitoring for children's wellbeing.
• Knowledge of existing statistical measurement frameworks, classifications, and standards in collecting and compiling sectoral, cross sectoral indicator data to assess the quality and suitability of data for different types of analysis.
• Proficiency in R or Stata is required. Knowledge of SPSS, Stats, Python or other statistical programing languages is an advantage.
• Knowledge of data collection tools such as CSPro, Survey Solutions, Kobo Toolbox, Survey CTO, and Open Data Kit (ODK).
• Proven experience in the planning, design, organization and coordination of nationwide House Hold Surveys (MICS, DHS, Nutrition Surveys, other national surveys),
• Proven experience in analyzing household surveys such as MICS and DHS, and its use in policy and programming.
• Proven experience analyzing, compiling and presenting data, using combination of different data sources (e.g. household surveys and administrative data).

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

• Desirables:

• Proven experience in analytical report writing to disseminate key data and findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven experience in developing data collection tools.
• Proven experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Shiny (preferred), Tableau, PowerBI).
• Proven experience working with GitHub and designing data pipelines and workflows
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

[Remove the following paragraph if not a child safeguarding elevated risk role] This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, all eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.