Technical Support for Major Nutrition Publications Vacancy

Job Description

1. Background:

UNICEF places a high priority on the availability of recent and reliable information with which to monitor the situation of children and women. Statistically sound and internationally comparable data are essential for developing evidence-based policies and programmes, as well as for monitoring countries’ progress toward national goals and global commitments, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UNICEF publications are viewed with high regard among the UN, governments and other partners, especially in the realm of nutrition.

The year 2015 will be particularly demanding with regard to nutrition related publications and additional support will be needed to prepare inputs into such dissemination materials. The year 2015 brings final MDG reporting, for which nutrition is a major target of MDG1, the culmination of major methodological work on topics such as low birth weight and iodized salt, as well as a much needed global report on infant and young child feeding – which will all require ample and appropriate dissemination. In addition, global UNICEF reports to be disseminated in 2016 on topics related to vitamin A supplementation and iodized salt will need to have inputs developed in 2015 to ensure timely release early in that year. The purpose of this terms of reference will be to support development of inputs into the above mentioned nutrition dissemination materials, from cross verification of data points to analysis to generation of graphics and writing.

1. Purpose:

To support development of major nutrition publications on topics including infant and young child feeding, low birth weight and final MDG1 assessment.

1. Expected results: (measurable results)

• Databases used to report on the nutrition situation of children have been double checked and where required, updated
• Graphics, tables and related materials required to report on the nutrition situation of children have been developed and are ready for use in major publications/dissemination materials.
• Text for major nutrition publications /dissemination products drafted and finalized
• Data in key nutrition dissemination products have been fact checked 

1. Duration:

Start date: 30 December 2014

End date: 30 Sept 2015

Total number of working days: 165 (approx. 18 days per calendar month)

1. Travel: Travel may be required for face to face meetings with UNICEF New York staff; alternatively such meetings may take place via phone or other related means.

1. Activities/Tasks

Double check data in UNICEF nutrition databases

• Verify and update data in UNICEF global nutrition databases using existing UNICEF files as well as original source documents where necessary.
• Save and store (and where necessary obtain) relevant files including original source documentation within UNICEF’s database management system
• Undertake secondary analysis using raw data files in cases where values required for the database are not available according to standard definitions in the original reports

Support the analysis of data

• Using data primarily from the UNICEF global databases, as well as from a wide variety of related sources, undertake analyses that produce trends, regional estimates, burden numbers and other estimates for use in key publications, speeches, media materials etc.
• Produce tables, charts, and other dissemination products for use in publications and related materials

Support drafting and editing of text for major nutrition publications

• Based on findings from the data analyses, draft text to describe the global and regional situations
• Work together with country and regional teams to develop country case studies on a variety of topics related to UNICEF nutrition indicators
• Coordinate graphic design, translation, production and dissemination processes working closely with relevant UNICEF staff members

Fact check documents and related materials

• Review draft versions of UNICEF written dissemination materials to ensure consistency with data in UNICEF global databases as well as key figures produced through additional analyses using these databases

1. Payment schedule:

Monthly submission of invoices paid in USD.

1. Key skills, technical background, and experience required:

• Minimum Master Degree in statistics, demography, epidemiology or a field related to public health/nutrition
• At least 2 years’ experience working with data analysis, with knowledge of nutrition related indicators preferred
• Detail-oriented
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to take initiatives and work independently
• Creativity and enthusiasm
• Ability to work well in a team environment

1. Confidentiality of Data

The Consultant must respect the confidentiality of the analysis that will be carried out through tis work.

1. Consultant’s Work Place

Depending on the particulars of the individual selected, the consultant may work from home using own equipment and stationary or work in UNICEF offices.

1. Nature of Penalty Clause in Contract

If the reports and documents are not submitted according to the deliverables stated in this TOR, the payments will be withheld.

1. Application:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P-11 form (which can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc ) topdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line “Technical Support for Major Nutrition Publications” by 22 December 2014.

Please indicate your daily/monthly rate and availability to undertake the terms of reference above as well as your availability and preference for work from home or on UNICEF premises. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.