About UNICEF
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.
BACKGROUND
Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:
The Data Collection Unit (DCU) within Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM) in collaboration with UNICEF the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD), and Business Relationship Management (BRM) engaged in a major effort on modernizing various components in the MICS programme to align it to the changing data landscape. These efforts include:
- Redevelopment of the MICS website:
The newly revamped MICS website (https://mics.unicef.org) was successfully launched on August 20, 2024. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the digital presence of the MICS programme. Since the launch of the website, colleagues from the DAPM, DCU and regional offices have identified numerous improvements and features to enhance the experience of the website. These enhancements are under construction and being delivered through agile implementation methodology.
- Development of MICS Tabulator:
The main objective of the MICS Tabulator is to provide an online data platform that will facilitate easy tabulation, analysis, and visual presentation of findings from MICS. The platform aims to empower stakeholders, in a controlled and secure environment, with essential data related to the well-being of children and women, provide staff, partners, and academia with access to MICS findings generated from the raw data for further research, and minimize data misinterpretation risks. The MICS Tabulator contract was awarded to vendor in January-2025 and envisioned to be launched by end of 2026.
The MICS Tabulator will help broaden data use, ensuring that key insights on the well-being of children and women are available to a wider audience while maintaining international comparability and quality assurance. It will also strengthen capacity building, allowing National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to conduct child-centric surveys more independently, with only minimal technical support needed for ensuring data quality and alignment with global standards. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance evidence-based decision-making and contribute to UNICEF’s overarching mission of improving the lives of children worldwide.
Scope of Work:
Under the supervision of the Statistics & Monitoring Manager/DCU the consultant will lead the end-to-end project management and technical implementation of MICS website enhancements and MICS Tabulator development and launch by:
- Creating and maintaining the project management artifacts (e.g., project plans, progress reports)
- Supervising and overseeing respective vendors involved in the delivery of the projects
- Leading implementation of agile methodology by conducting the sprint ceremonies (daily standups, backlog refinements, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and sprint retrospectives)
- Managing the day-to-day interactions with the vendor(s), other consultants engaged on the project and the partner
- Liaising with the internal (ICTD, TAO, BRM, DCU, DAPM, Supply Division, and Branding) and external stakeholders (vendor, IPUMS, and World Bank)
- Presenting deliverables to business teams and collect feedback on MICS Tabulator modules
- Organizing and chair project meetings
- Overseeing and coordinating quality assurance and review processes
- Following up on risk/issues/dependencies
Activities and Tasks: In close coordination with the DCU, internal and external stakeholder, and vendors, the consultant will support the delivery of MICS Website enhancements and MICS Tabulator with the following duties and tasks:
- Lead the agile development and and coordination for MICS Tabulator’s:
- Master Data Management (MDM) development
- Dataset upload, data transformation, and data validation
- Data storage, aggregation, and predefined indicators management
- Custom tabulation and visualization library of web application module
- Dynamic indicators and user-friendly interface library
- Dashboard customization, saving, and archiving and retention
- Export and sharing, and responsive design
- Login, Single-Sign-On (SSO), registration, guest users, and profile management
- Data privacy, security, role-based access control, web analytics, and user activity logging
- Indicators management, generic dashboard creation, user management, and reference tables of administration module
- Conduct Daily, Weekly, and Bi-Weekly sprint ceremonies from Aug-2025 to Dec-2026
- Finalize the Technical Solution design and Architecture for MICS Tabulator
- Present User Interfaces (UI) for MICS Tabulator to DCU and internal stakeholders, collect feedback and seek final approvals
- Lead the end-to-end functional and non-functional requirements testing and sign-off for all three modules of MICS Tabulation: A) Data Management Module, B) Web Application Module, and C) Administration Module by
- Support the coordination of harmonized data verification and provide continuous feedback. Provide continuous feedback to the IPUMS team on the harmonization of datasets
- Overseeing and coordinating quality assurance and testing of MICS Tabulator (Data Management Module, Web Application/Presentation Module and Administration Module) and Provide feedback to the vendor(s) and partner institution
- Coordinate and steward the security scans of MICS Tabulator and get clearance and go-ahead from UNICEF security, TAO, and ICTD for production launch
- Develop Migration/Import plan for harmonized datasets to MICS Tabulator
- Setup existing Tabulation plans from MICS 6 in MICS Tabulator to make it ready for the launch
- Lead the pilot launch of MICS Tabulator
- Lead harmonized dataset migration and launch MICS Tabulator application
- Develop production launch plan for MICS Tabulator
By fulfilling these responsibilities, the consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the MICS Tabulator functions as a reliable, high-quality tool for real-time data analysis.
Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:
Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline
1. Lead the agile development and coordination for Master Data Management (MDM) development feature of MICS Tabulator
- Conduct backlog refinement to ensure all MDM-related user stories are well-defined
- Facilitate sprint planning sessions to prioritize MDM-related tasks
- Oversee the vendor's development of metadata governance and validation rules
- Ensure integration of MDM with dataset ingestion processes
- Organize sprint review sessions and provide technical feedback
- Document sprint outcomes and report progress to stakeholders
Deliverable 1A: Progress report for sprint 12 and 13 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 1B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 12 and 13 of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 1C: Finalize the Technical Solution design and Architecture for MICS Tabulator
31 July 2025
2. Lead the agile development and coordination for dataset upload, data transformation, and data validation feature of MICS Tabulator
- Review the technical design of the dataset upload interface
- Provide guidance on batch processing and error handling mechanisms
- Ensure implementation of data validation rules in line with MDM
- Conduct sprint retrospective to refine the development process
- Validate that uploaded datasets are transformed correctly for analysis
Deliverable 2A: Progress report for sprint 14 and 15 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 2B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 14 and 15 of MICS Tabulator
31 August 2025
3. Lead the agile development and coordination for data storage, aggregation, and predefined indicators management features of MICS Tabulator
- Ensure database schema supports efficient querying and storage of 50M+ records
- Work with the vendor to implement aggregation logic for predefined indicators
- Conduct performance testing for large-scale data operations
- Oversee integration of backend calculations with the tabulation module
Deliverable 3A: Progress report for sprint 16 and 17 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 3B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 16 and 17 of MICS Tabulator
30 September 2025
4. Lead the agile development and coordination for custom tabulation and visualization library features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module:
- Ensure tabulation engine supports real-time queries and aggregations
- Work with UI/UX teams to design an intuitive user interface
- Validate integration between tabulation module and visualization library
- Provide feedback on front-end performance and usability
Deliverable 4A: Progress report for sprint 18 and 19 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 4B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 18 and 19 of MICS Tabulator
31 October 2025
5. Lead the agile development and coordination for dynamic indicators and user-friendly interface library features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module
- Ensure formula editor for dynamic indicators functions as intended
- Validate support for user-generated calculations and custom attributes
- Oversee UI improvements based on user feedback
- Conduct usability testing sessions with stakeholders
Deliverable 5A: Progress report for sprint 20 and 21 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 5B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 20 and 21 of MICS Tabulator
30 November 2025
6. Lead the agile development and coordination for dashboard customization, saving, and archiving and retention features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module
- Define requirements for customizable dashboards and saving mechanisms
- Ensure persistent storage of user-generated dashboards
- Work with vendors on implementation of data retention policies
- Validate dashboard filtering, layout customization, and historical access+
Deliverable 6A: Progress report for sprint 22 and 23 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 6B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 22 and 23 of MICS Tabulator
31 December 2025
7. Lead the agile development and coordination for export and sharing, and responsive design features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module
- Ensure export functionality supports CSV, Excel, and PDF formats
- Validate data-sharing mechanisms including secure link sharing
- Conduct UI/UX testing across mobile, tablet, and desktop views
- Implement responsive design principles for seamless cross-device access
Deliverable 7A: Progress report for sprint 24 and 25 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 7B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 24 and 25 of MICS Tabulator
30 January 2026
8. Lead the agile development and coordination for Login, Single-Sign-On (SSO), registration, guest users, and profile management features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module
- Oversee integration with UNICEF's authentication systems (e.g., B2C IDP)
- Validate user registration, email verification, and profile management workflows
- Ensure guest users can access limited functionality without registration
- Conduct security assessments for login and SSO implementations
Deliverable 8A: Progress report for sprint 26 and 27 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 8B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 26 and 27 of MICS Tabulator
28 February 2026
9. Lead the agile development and coordination for data privacy, security, role-based access control, web analytics, and user activity logging features of MICS Tabulator’s web application module
- Validate role-based access control implementation
- Ensure web analytics capture relevant usage metrics
- Implement logging and auditing for compliance and security
- Conduct penetration testing for privacy and security validation
Deliverable 9A: Progress report for sprint 28 and 29 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 9B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for spring 28 and 29 of MICS Tabulator
31 March 2026
10. Lead the agile development and coordination for indicators management, generic dashboard creation, user management, and reference tables features of MICS Tabulator’s administration module
- Oversee development of the indicators management module
- Validate administration workflows for managing users and roles
- Ensure smooth integration of reference tables into reporting structures
- Conduct system-wide regression testing
Deliverable 10A: Progress report for sprint 30 and 31 , entailing status of the committed user stories of MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 10B: List of user stories along with their detailed requirements, and acceptance criteria for sprint 30 and 31 of MICS Tabulator
30 April 2026
11. Lead the end-to-end functional and non-functional requirements testing and sign-off for all three modules of MICS Tabulation: A) Data Management Module, B) Web Application Module, and C) Administration Module
- Develop and execute a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) plan
- Coordinate testing sessions with key stakeholders
- Track and resolve defects before final sign-off
Deliverable 11A: List of test-cases for all the three modules of MICS Tabulator MICS Tabulator
Deliverable 11B: Progress report on results of MICS Tabulator’s test-case execution
31 July 2026
12. Coordinate and steward the security scans of MICS Tabulator and get clearance and go-ahead from UNICEF security, TAO, and ICTD for production launch
- Engage UNICEF security teams for penetration testing and code audits
- Address security vulnerabilities identified in scans
- Obtain required approvals for production deployment
Deliverable 12: Progress report on security clearance of MICS Tabulator
31 August 2026
13. Coordinate and lead the discussion with TAO and ICTD related to acquiring UNICEF UAT and Production infrastructure resources/environment in Microsoft Azure based on approved architecture diagram
- Liaise with infrastructure teams to procure Azure resources
- Oversee deployment of MICS Tabulator in UAT and production environments
- Validate infrastructure readiness for go-live
30 September 2026
14. Develop MICS Tabulator production launch plan in coordination with all internal and external stakeholders
- Define final rollout strategy and risk mitigation plan
- Coordinate training sessions for UNICEF staff and stakeholders
- Develop a communications plan for launch announcement
Deliverable 14: Production launch report for MICS Tabulator
31 October 2026
15. Lead harmonized dataset migration and launch MICS Tabulator application
Deliverable 15: Data migration plan and successful launch of MICS Tabulator
31 December 2026
Qualifications
Education:
Advanced University degree or similar in: Information Technologies, Statistics, Demography, or any other related technical field with expertise in complex data management and software development
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:
- This is a high-level position with a minimum of ten years' working experience in managing the end-to-end software project implementation with the scale of MICS tabulator
- Experience with household surveys data, preferably with prior MICS or DHS data processing experience is required
- PMP/PRINCE2 Certification is required. Other technical certificates that will help with MICS Tabulator are of added value
- Expertise in Azure, Function Apps, React, SQL, Databricks, SPSS, C#, and Python/R will be preferred
- Experience of managing software engineers, business analysts and QA is must
- Demonstrate at least 2-3 projects previously led that contained millions of userbase transactions processed
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills in English
Requirements:
Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and
- Upload copy of academic credentials
- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :
-
- the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
- travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
- Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
- Indicate your availability
- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. 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.
U.S. Visa information:
With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.
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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.
Remarks:
Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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
