New Consultancy: ODK Specialist, Operational Analysis & Technology Centre, UNICEF Supply Division Copenhagen, Remote, 9 months

The Open Data Kit (ODK) Specialist consultant will be responsible for developing and updating the Access Coverage and Evaluation data collection tools to collect programmatic data for indicator monitoring dashboards.

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, a future

The Open Data Kit (ODK) Specialist consultant will be responsible for developing and updating the Access Coverage and Evaluation data collection tools to collect programmatic data for indicator monitoring dashboards.

How can you make a difference? 

The open Data Kit (ODK) Specialist consultant will report to the Project Officer and work under the general supervision of the Manager (OATC) in close collaboration and matrix management with the Supply Chain Manager, Strategy and Implementation, and Nutrition Supply Chain Specialist from the Supply Chain Strengthening Center, on the following assignments and deliverables:

1. Develop an open data kit data collection standard for Access Coverage and Evaluation (ACE) with guidelines from current pilot implementations.
   Output: Updated version of ACE data collection forms.
   Timeline: January 2025
2. Develop ACE sampling documentation on to-be made updates for scaling the programme to other UNICEF Offices.
   Output: ACE documented guidelines on how to scale to other countries.
   Timeline: February 2025
3. Support the implementation of ACE in three countries (to be determined).
   Output: Implementation support for additional countries.
   Timeline: March 2025
4. Write statistical software for data management (exporting, merging and cleaning data).
   Output: ACE filtered datasets with queries.
   Timeline: April 2025
5. Writing statistical software for data analysis and exporting findings (IRT Model estimation, item selection based on IRT estimation, normalization Likert Variables).
   Output: Documented, Executable or a Python library for ACE Data analysis.
   Timeline: May 2025
6. Programming Databricks to process, clean, store and analyse datasets and to share results and lessons learnt and a final implementation report (structure to be provided by UNICEF).
   Output: Report on cleaned datasets process documented in databricks notebooks.
   Timeline: June 2025
7. Define an ACE implementation module on UNICEF’s Support Hub/ACE SharePoint with a deployment approach for the data collection tools, dashboards, and FAQs.
   Output: Structured update for ACE on Support Hub.
   Timeline: July 2025
8. Lead the development of a cloud-based Coordination tool that enables UNICEF and other development partners (Gov, UN Agencies, implementing partners, NGO) to track the deployment of all strengthening activities included in the MM/EuM-based roadmaps.
   Output: A publicly available dashboard which will enable our partners to access Supply Chain Strengthening Centre (UNICEF) work and updates across countries and regions.
   Timeline: August 2025
9. Update the methodology of End-User Monitoring/ ACE to include, a) enlarged scope b) include lessons learned and feedback collated in the past two years, c) publication, and dissemination of updated documents. This will include reviewing ACE questions and indicators and comparing current survey tools and assessing where potential overlaps for the programmes can be achieved.
   Output: Feedback from each implementation is documented, centralized, analysed, and incorporated upon validation into ACE for its improvement ACE survey tool is adapted to 2 or less non-nutritional programs.
   Timeline: September 2025

There is a possibility of travel which will discussed during the contracting process, which would be covered according to UNICEF polices. 

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Econometrics, Engineering, or areas directly related to logistics operations or UNICEF programme areas.
  *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. 
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in data analysis/managing large data sets including conducting analysis of health/nutrition data at country and global level. An advanced statistical software skill, R/STATA, ODK, Inform or any other with experience in research questionnaire development, survey design in development sector. 
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

Add on how to apply:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.
2. Daily rate and all-inclusive lumpsum for this consultancy.
3. At least 3 Reference contacts.
4. A copy of your highest diploma.

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.