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For every child, the right to results

How can you make a difference? 

Location:  Remote, with travel to MICS implementing Caribbean countries, and UNICEF/CARICOM meetings.

Duration:  6 months (approx. 80 working days)

Start Date: May 4, 2026

End Date: November 30, 2026

Supervisor: Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

 

BACKGROUND:

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) programme is UNICEF’s flagship global household survey initiative, designed to support countries in generating reliable, internationally comparable data on children, women, and households. Established in the mid‑1990s, it has become one of the largest sources of data for monitoring national development priorities and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MICS offers a comprehensive suite of standardised tools covering all stages of implementation—from planning and sampling to data collection, processing, analysis, and reporting—while allowing countries to adapt questionnaires to meet national needs. The surveys are fully led by National Statistical Offices (NSO), with UNICEF providing technical guidance throughout.

MICS supports monitoring for more than 40 child focused SDG indicators, making it one of the most important household survey mechanisms for SDG reporting. It reflects decades of methodological improvements and incorporates new thematic areas and tools to address emerging data needs globally. Because of its standardised structure and strong technical rigour, MICS is particularly suited for regional or multi‑country survey approaches, such as those being explored for the Caribbean, as most countries have never implemented a MICS, and those that have done so did so many years ago, leaving major gaps in SDG reporting and national statistics.

In 2026, CARICOM reported that more Member States are requesting MICS support to address SDG monitoring gaps. CARICOM formally invited UNICEF to support the June 2026 35^th meeting of Advisory Group on Statistics (AGS) in June 2026, where UNICEF will introduce MICS Programme and Survey Tools and discuss how a regional MICS could help countries close SDG data gaps. This meeting leads into the October 2026 51^st Meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS), the main decision‑making body in CARICOM that endorses Statistical recommendations in ensuring standards and harmonization thus resulting in regional comparability. This window creates an opportunity to prepare a regional MICS proposal, supported by a readiness assessment and technical consultations.

Given the complexity of coordinating several Caribbean countries and the technical demands of sampling evaluation, questionnaire harmonization, and design workshop preparation, a dedicated Regional MICS Consultant is required.

 

PURPOSE/SCOPE OF ACTIVITY/ASSIGNMENT:

Goal and Objective:  The overall goal of this consultancy is to determine the feasibility, readiness, and design of a Regional MICS initiative for the Caribbean Region, while supporting CARICOM and UNICEF in advancing the proposal through the June and November 2026 regional meetings.

Under the supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation PME Specialist, the Consultant will achieve this goal by performing the following tasks, in consultation with NSOs in the participating countries:

• Develop and implement a tool to conduct a country specific comprehensive statistical readiness and feasibility assessment across participating countries, including reviews of sampling frames, census recency, NSO capacity, and existing data gaps.
• Develop detailed design options for a regional or sub‑regional MICS model, outlining sampling implications, operational requirements, cost estimates, and implementation timelines.
• Support CARICOM’s decision‑making by preparing high‑quality technical materials, including presentations for the June 35^th CARICOM Advisory Group on Statistics Meeting and the October meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians.
• Coordinate engagement with the National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and CARICOM’s Regional Statistics Programme to gather inputs, validate assumptions, and ensure national ownership.
• In collaboration with UNICEF’s HQ MICS team and Regional MICS Coordinator, prepare the groundwork for a Caribbean MICS Survey Design Workshop, anticipated for September 2026, including scoping, agenda development, and collaboration with UNICEF and CARICOM.

Work closely with the MICS Global Team and Regional MICS Coordinator to ensure that all proposed approaches are fully aligned with MICS Programme standards, methodologies, and tools.

Methodology:

The consultant will coordinate engagement with the National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and CARICOM’s Regional Statistics Programme to gather inputs, validate assumptions, and ensure national ownership.

Deliverables:

1. Inception Report  

The consultant will complete the following activities:

• Conduct an initial inception meeting with UNICEF, CARICOM and the MICS Global Team to clarify objectives, expectations, and scope.
• Review available documentation including census frames, previous household surveys, SDG reporting status, and existing national statistical strategies.
• Develop the overall methodological framework for the multi-country readiness assessment, including assessment domains, indicators, and evidence requirements.
• Prepare a detailed country engagement plan outlining sequencing of NSO consultations, data needs, communication channels, and validation points.
• Develop a draft readiness and feasibility assessment tool covering sampling, operational capacity, human resources, IT/data infrastructure, and fieldwork readiness.
• Draft and submit the Inception Report incorporating methodology, workplan, analytical framework, and engagement strategy for UNICEF approval.

1. Country Profile and Feasibility Assessment

The consultant will complete the following activities:

• Conduct structured bilateral consultations (virtual and/or in-country) with National Statistical Offices to assess survey capacity, sampling frames, census timing, and operational readiness.
• Collect and analyse country data related to logistics, fieldwork capacity, IT infrastructure, data processing systems, and institutional arrangements for surveys.
• Prepare individual Country Readiness Profiles, detailing assessment findings, capacity gaps, risks, and required support.
• Consolidate findings to identify cross-country patterns, opportunities for harmonization, and constraints affecting readiness for a regional or sub-regional MICS.
• Develop the survey instrument and sampling methodology. This includes developing multiple feasible regional MICS implementation models, addressing sampling design options, operational scenarios, harmonization approaches, and coordination mechanisms.
• Produce the Regional Feasibility & Design Options Report including high-level cost scenarios and indicative implementation timelines.

2. CARICOM Technical Package (June and November 2026)

The consultant will complete the following activities:

• Prepare a full technical briefing package for the June Advisory Group on Statistics meeting, including slides, notes, and evidence summaries for UNICEF and CARICOM use.
• Provide technical inputs or participate in the June meeting (as required) to present readiness findings and design considerations.
• Draft the Regional MICS Concept Note, integrating country readiness results, design models, costed options, and coordination mechanisms.
• Consult with key stakeholders (CARICOM, UNICEF, Regional MICS Coordinator, and NSOs) to gather input and refine the Concept Note.
• Revise the concept note into a Recommendation Package for the 51^st SCCS Meeting in October, including the final proposed model, timeline, and next steps.
• Support UNICEF and CARICOM in preparing endorsement materials ahead of the October meeting.

3. Final Consolidated Report

The consultant will complete the following activities:

• Summarize key outcomes, decisions, and commitments from the October SCCS meeting and integrate them into the final documentation.
• Compile and synthesize all deliverables (Inception Report, Country Profiles, Feasibility Assessment, Concept Note, Recommendations) into a single consolidated report.
• Finalize cross-country readiness assessment results and highlight regional patterns, gaps, and recommended actions.
• Confirm and present final recommended design model(s), coordination structures, and implementation considerations.
• Outline clear next steps for 2027 and beyond, including technical support needs and preparatory actions for a potential Survey Design Workshop.
• Submit the Final Consolidated Report for UNICEF review and incorporate any required revisions.

 

WORK ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW: Please see full ToR details  Individual Consultant TOR Template - Regional MICS Consultant - Final.docx

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This assignment will require travel to Barbados for the June CARICOM meeting, in-country visits to at least 3 to 4 countries within the region for discussion with selected NSOs, and the September 2026 workshop.

The consultant is responsible for arranging his/her own most direct travel routes to selected countries, including bearing the costs of visas and travel insurance. Accommodation, meals and incidental costs must not exceed the UN daily subsistence allowance rates. The costs for approved travels will be reimbursed by the UNICEF ECA Office upon submission of receipts and based on applicable UN DSA rates. All approved travels are to be conducted in accordance with UNICEF travel rules and regulation.

 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Payment of professional fees will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables which receive a satisfactory quality review.  In general, individual contracts shall not allow for fee advances. However, a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value may be authorized by the Approving Authority in cases where advanced purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

For every child, you will have...

• An advanced university degree (Master’s) in Statistics, Demography, Economics, Social Sciences, Survey Methodology, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Survey Design, Survey Implementation.
• Strong expertise in Census, Household Surveys (MICS/DHS preferred).
• Experience working with NSOs and SDG monitoring.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and facilitation skills.
• Written and verbal fluency in English and excellent communication skills are required.
• Experience working in the Caribbean is an asset.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

1. Technical Evaluation: 75 Points

• Relevant Academic Qualifications (10 Points)
• Professional Experience in Survey Design and Implementation (20 Points)
• Experience in MICS, Census or Household Surveys (20 Points)
• Experience Working with NSOs (5 Points)
• Technical Writing, Analytical and Communication Skills (10 Points)
• Fluency in English (5 Points) -
• Regional Experience (5 Points) – Experience working in the Caribbean

    B. Financial Proposal: 25 Points

The financial proposal will be evaluated based on the competitiveness and justification of costs in relation to the scope and                objectives of the assignment.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

1. Provision of Equipment – The Consultant is expected to work with his/her laptop, mobile phone and personal email account to complete the assignment. UNICEF will not provide additional equipment for this consultancy.
2. Communication and Accessibility – The Consultant will have access to relevant UNICEF staff through regular communication channels such as email, Teams, or Zoom. Key focal points, including the PM&E Specialist, Child Protection Specialist, and Child Rights Monitoring Specialist, will be available for consultation and feedback throughout the duration of the assignment. Any required documentation, data, or resources will be shared digitally by UNICEF staff. The Consultant will also have access to relevant publications, reports, and documents necessary for the completion of the assignment through email or other online platforms.
3. Location – The consultancy is fully remote with travel to Barbados for the June 2026 35^th meeting of Advisory Group on Statistics (AGS) and potential travel to the MICS implementing Caribbean countries.
4. Schedule for Progress Meetings – Regular progress meetings will be scheduled via Teams as required to discusses the deliverables outlined in the ToR, track the consultant’s progress, and organize feedback on key deliverables. These meetings will be held at key milestones:

• An initial meeting to discuss the Inception Report.
• Follow-up meetings at key points during the development of the Country Profiles and Feasibility Assessment; CARICOM Technical Package, and the Final Consolidated Report.
• Review meetings to discuss feedback on draft documents and final versions of the deliverables.
• Meeting to present the Final Consolidated Report with LARCO, CARICOM, and UNICEF.

 

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

Before commencing work, a consultant or individual contractor shall submit a statement of good health and take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement, including confirmation that he or she has been informed of the inoculations required for the country or countries to which travel is authorized. Consultants and individual contractors shall assume all costs that may occur in relation to the statement of good health.  Consultants and individual contractors are required to certify that they are covered by medical/health insurance.

The selected candidate is solely responsible for ensuring 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. 

 

RECOURSE:

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback.

 

TITLE RIGHTS:

All materials created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract and any intellectual property rights thereof, including but not limited to patents, copyright and trademarks, shall be jointly owned by UNICEF and the Contractor. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights. Any third-party usage shall require written permission from both parties.

 

TRAININGS:

Consultants and Individual contractors, even those working from home, must complete the following online courses prior to signature of contract.  All certificates should be presented as part of the contract:

• Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment & Abuse of Authority
• Sexual Exploitation Abuse (PSEA) 

Consultants and Individual Contractors must complete the following course before commencement of any travel on behalf of UNICEF. 

• BSAFE Security Training 

Any consultant or individual contractor who is issued a UNICEF email address must complete the following courses no later than 30 days after signature of contract. 

• General Information Security Awareness Course
• Fraud Awareness

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Prospective consultants should apply through UNICEF jobs website using the following link Vacancies | UNICEF Careers no later than April 8, 2026. The application package should include the following:

1. A cover letter.
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae
3. A financial proposal stipulating all-inclusive fees, including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.