Consultant for Testing of MICS Foundational Learning Module 2.0 in Zimbabwe (Nationals Only), Harare - Onsite + travel, 7.5 months, #595644

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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

Under the supervision of the UNICEF Zimbabwe Chief, Social Policy, and in close technical collaboration with the UNICEF Zimbabwe Research and Evaluation Officer, ZIMSTAT, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Statistics Specialist, Data Collection Unit in the Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti, and other relevant partners, this assignment will contribute to the following outcomes:

(1) Coordinate the implementation of the second school-based field test of the Foundational Learning Module (FLM2.0b) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in October 2026 for reporting on SDG 4.1.1b (late primary);

(2) Coordinate the implementation of the third household based field test of the Foundational Learning Module (FLM2.0b) in Zimbabwe in Masvingo in January 2027;

(3) Support the finalization of the guidance to roll out FLM2.0b in MICS 8 and dissemination of the module;

(4) Lead the secondary analysis of the Zimbabwe MICS 7 Foundational Learning Skills Module including cleaned analysis outputs, syntax/code files where applicable, documentation of indicators and analytical methods, and updated Country Office data repository entries in agreed formats and

(5) provide related technical support to the Zimbabwe Country Office on MICS, learning assessment, data analysis, documentation, data repository management, and evidence-use activities that are directly linked to the above assignment and agreed in advance with the Chief of Social Policy.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  ToR TMC0005588.pdf

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, or other related technical field.

• Knowledge of local language in Zimbabwe (Shona and/or Ndebele) is a requirement.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written) is also required.

• At least 5 years of working experience in survey planning and budgeting, customization of household standard questionnaires and protocols to local context, questionnaire reviews.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, delivering timely and under pressure.
• Experience in MICS survey coordination and management.
• Prior experience in testing MICS modules in school and household settings.
• Familiarity and experience with the customization and implementation of the Foundational Learning Skills module.
• Experience in secondary analysis of MICS modules.
• Experience organizing and facilitating training and presentations.
• Experience in data management, documentation, metadata preparation and maintenance of institutional data repositories.
• Demonstrated understanding of data protection, confidentiality, access control and responsible handling of survey microdata and administrative information
• Familiarity with UNICEF or UN data governance, information security or system-access protocols is an asset.

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

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 reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. 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.

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template)  Financial proposal template - TMC0005588.xlsx

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Advertised: 10 Sep 2026 South Africa Standard Time
Applications close: 16 Sep 2026 South Africa Standard Time

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