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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, equality 

Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) is a major source of sustainable development data on the well-being of children and women. Developed by UNICEF in 1995 as a flagship knowledge product, MICS supported 349 surveys in 118 countries, becoming the world’s largest source of internationally comparable, open-source data on children and their families including: maternal and child health; nutrition; gender; child development; child protection; education; disability; and mental health, among others. The programme is implemented with UNICEF support under the leadership of national statistical institutions and is a major data source for up to 40 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators.

North Macedonia has already implemented 4 rounds of MICS: in 1999, 2005-06, 2011, and 2018-19. The last 2 cycles included surveys implemented in Roma settlements which are a key source of data about Roma women and children. MICS results are considered one of the main references on the well-being of mothers and children and the services that are offered to them.

MICS 7 was rolled out globally in 2023. In discussions with the State Statistical Office (SSO), MICS7 tentative implementation is planned for 2027. However preparatory activities have been included in the Annual Work Plan with the SSO. First step of the preparatory activities is to conduct an assessment, exploring the gaps that the MICS indicators could potentially fill out in the data landscape of the country. Since MICS makes available a set of core and additional modules that countries can customize to their needs, this analysis will support the national stakeholders in taking an informed decision on which of the survey modules and indicators, are most relevant to be included as part of MICS7 in North Macedonia.

In a longer run, the assessment intends to guide SSO, UNICEF and other partners in strategically planning for improvements on data for children, be it regarding quality or availability.

It is for this task that UNICEF North Macedonia in close collaboration with SSO will look for the expertise of an international expert, to also make use of the independence of the analysis.

MICS indicators (round 7) will constitute the list against which the data gap assessment will be done.

How can you make a difference? 

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the UNICEF North Macedonia, the international consultant will be supported by a national consultant and interact closely with the SSO staff.

The desk review materials will be made available to the international consultant in addition to the ones that could be identified by the consultant. The core document for desk review will be a mapping done by the national consultant for each MICS indicator, containing information with regard to indicator’s availability of data; the type and maturity of the data source; the degree of data disaggregation, especially for sex, group ages, ethnicity and socio-economic status ; the geographic representation of the data; frequency of reporting or latest reporting/plan for reporting; the public availability of the data, the possibility the source allows for correlation of the indicators’ data, integration of the indicator in any national strategies.

The consultant is expected to improve on the mapping and interact with relevant stakeholders in the country (including key donors, relevant ministries, statistical entities, UN Agencies) to then compile a report / assessment that provides the rationale and insights on the most critical and relevant indicators to be potentially produced from MICS7.

Taking into account the extended review of data that will take place as part of the exercise, the Final assessment report will contain insights for work to improve indicators and data that could go even beyond MICS7. The outline of the report will be discussed at the preparatory stage.

Work Assignments Overview:

1. Preparatory work

• Desk review of materials.
• Participate in the inception calls with UNICEF and SSO.
• Finalize the methodology for the assessment, including list of potential stakeholders, and outline of the final assessment report.   
• Enrich the MICS data mapping with more information based on desk review (this mapping will be part of the final assessment report).

Timeframe: May & June 2025, 10 working days

2.  Interviews with stakeholders 

• Conduct interviews with up to 15 -20 stakeholders. Meetings with be facilitated by SSO and UNICEF. A combination of face to face and online approach could be used for the conduct of the interviews.

Timeframe: July & August 2025, seven working days

3.  Data gap assessment report

• Analyze information and prepare draft report of the assessment to share with SSO and UNICEF.
• Present the assessment to group of stakeholders.
• Incorporate feedback of SSO and other stakeholders and finalize the assessment.

Timeframe: September & October 2025 - 10 working days

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

1. Academic Background: Advanced degree in statistics, data analysis, public policy, social science, or a related field.
2. Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in working with statistics, including survey and administrative data, and data analysis.
3. Core Competencies:
- Proven capacity in conducting data gap assessments and providing strategic recommendations for data systems improvement.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in report writing.
- Excellent oral and written command of English.
4. Desirable Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) or Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) (is an advantage).
- Previous experience in the Western Balkan region (is preferred).
5. Interpersonal and Ethical Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in complex environments and establish harmonious relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- High integrity and ability to handle confidential information in accordance with policies and protocols.

To submit in support of the above:
- Cover letter, clearly articulating the availability for the consultant, and how the candidate intends to undertake the tasks under the ToR.
- Updated CV with reference to previous work relevant to the ToR.
- Financial offer indicating (1) the gross amount of the daily consultancy fee in USD and (2) travel expenses in USD

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 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.

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 “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.