UNICEF
Blood Testing Expert Consultant for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) Su
UNICEF, New York, New York, us, 10261
Blood Testing Expert Consultant – MICS Support
Apply for the Blood Testing Expert Consultant for Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) Support, DAPM, Data & Analytics Section – Data Collection Unit, NYHQ, remote at UNICEF.
About UNICEF UNICEF is a UN organisation mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, help meet their basic needs, and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. It works in 190 countries and territories to promote survival, protection, and development for children. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, water and sanitation, education, and protection from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments and has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.
Consultancy Details Duty Station: Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM), Data & Analytics Section – Data Collection Unit
Duration: 15 November 2025 – 14 November 2026
Home/Office Based: Remote
Background and Purpose The Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) is an international household survey programme developed and supported by UNICEF. Over the past three decades, MICS has evolved from 28 indicators in the first round to more than 250 indicators in the current seventh round. It is a key source of data for child protection, early childhood education, and child health and nutrition. The current MICS programme is working to develop a blood testing module and associated protocols on lead, heavy metals, and other biomarkers, haemoglobin for anaemia, and malaria. This consultancy will finalize the standard MICS questionnaire modules and associated protocols for blood testing.
Scope of Work
Finalize and maintain blood testing related tools, including indicators, questionnaire module, customization guidance, field measurer instructions, sampling guidance, procurement guidance, MoU appendices, survey plan, budget, ethical protocols, and technical collaboration framework.
Support the preparation, implementation, and completion of up to three MICS surveys or similar UNICEF‑supported surveys involving the blood testing component.
Provide input to UNICEF’s global efforts and support data collection including external blood sample procedures outside the MICS Programme.
Coordinate with the Global MICS Team, Country Offices, Programme Group staff on Climate, Environment, Energy & Disaster, and national partners.
Facilitate the design, pre‑test, main fieldwork, fieldwork monitoring, and field‑to‑lab logistics for blood testing.
Support the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of a dedicated field test on blood testing.
Contribute to the design of follow‑up environmental metal assessments and other related data collection supported by UNICEF.
Participate in meetings and calls related to blood testing in household surveys and advise on technical matters.
Present final protocols, tools, and lessons learned at global MICS Team meetings.
Assist in communicating methodological findings to non‑MICS surveys and partners such as the DHS Program.
Deliverables and Outputs
Output 1: Tools and processes
Submit finalized questionnaire modules, customized instructions, and tabulation plan – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Submit final report on suggested updates to existing MICS tools – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Maintain and update final protocols and tools – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Output 2a: Bangladesh MICS7
Finalize analysis and reporting tools – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Publish or draft scientific paper(s) on protocols – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Submit summary report on lessons learned – Deadline 15 November 2026.
Output 2b: Surveys fielding in 2026
Design and pre‑test training, logistics review – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Fieldwork trainings and monitoring activities – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Blood testing analysis and reporting for three surveys – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Output 3: Field test
Design and implementation of field test – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Report on field test – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Output 4: Coordination
Monthly summary reports of technical support to countries – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Travel: Country visits (1 review meeting, 2 field test, 7 survey missions).
Qualifications
Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Medicine, Toxicology, or related field.
At least 8 years of experience in quantitative household surveys with experience in biomarkers, venous blood sampling, and logistics, or coordination of large‑scale studies involving blood sampling.
Experience with the Global MICS Programme is highly desirable; experience with the DHS Program is an asset.
Expertise in statistical analyses and familiarity with data processing software, with SPSS highly desirable.
Fluency in English; knowledge of French, Russian, Arabic, or Spanish is an asset.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness and ability to travel to all countries for fieldwork monitoring.
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish effective relationships with national partners.
Demonstrated leadership, managerial, and supervisory ability.
Requirements
Completed profile in UNICEF’s e‑Recruitment system.
Upload copy of academic credentials.
Submit financial proposal including costs per deliverable and the total lump‑sum, travel costs, daily subsistence allowance, visa, health insurance, and living costs.
Indicate availability.
Cover any emergent travel and related expenses – covered by UNICEF.
Have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award.
Payment of professional fees will be based on satisfactory delivery of agreed deliverables; UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables are not up to standard or delayed.
U.S. Visa Information Consultants whose household members reside in the United States under a visa other than G4, or who are G4 visa holders, must change their visa status to G4. Household members (spouse) will need an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to work.
Additional Information
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to advance to the next stage of the selection process.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities.
UNICEF maintains a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination; selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Consultants are responsible for their own taxes, duties, and health insurance.
Selected candidates must be fully vaccinated against SARS‑CoV‑2 with a WHO‑endorsed vaccine before the start of the assignment. Remote consultants are not required to visit UNICEF premises.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Quality Assurance, and Business Development
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About UNICEF UNICEF is a UN organisation mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, help meet their basic needs, and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. It works in 190 countries and territories to promote survival, protection, and development for children. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, water and sanitation, education, and protection from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments and has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.
Consultancy Details Duty Station: Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM), Data & Analytics Section – Data Collection Unit
Duration: 15 November 2025 – 14 November 2026
Home/Office Based: Remote
Background and Purpose The Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) is an international household survey programme developed and supported by UNICEF. Over the past three decades, MICS has evolved from 28 indicators in the first round to more than 250 indicators in the current seventh round. It is a key source of data for child protection, early childhood education, and child health and nutrition. The current MICS programme is working to develop a blood testing module and associated protocols on lead, heavy metals, and other biomarkers, haemoglobin for anaemia, and malaria. This consultancy will finalize the standard MICS questionnaire modules and associated protocols for blood testing.
Scope of Work
Finalize and maintain blood testing related tools, including indicators, questionnaire module, customization guidance, field measurer instructions, sampling guidance, procurement guidance, MoU appendices, survey plan, budget, ethical protocols, and technical collaboration framework.
Support the preparation, implementation, and completion of up to three MICS surveys or similar UNICEF‑supported surveys involving the blood testing component.
Provide input to UNICEF’s global efforts and support data collection including external blood sample procedures outside the MICS Programme.
Coordinate with the Global MICS Team, Country Offices, Programme Group staff on Climate, Environment, Energy & Disaster, and national partners.
Facilitate the design, pre‑test, main fieldwork, fieldwork monitoring, and field‑to‑lab logistics for blood testing.
Support the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of a dedicated field test on blood testing.
Contribute to the design of follow‑up environmental metal assessments and other related data collection supported by UNICEF.
Participate in meetings and calls related to blood testing in household surveys and advise on technical matters.
Present final protocols, tools, and lessons learned at global MICS Team meetings.
Assist in communicating methodological findings to non‑MICS surveys and partners such as the DHS Program.
Deliverables and Outputs
Output 1: Tools and processes
Submit finalized questionnaire modules, customized instructions, and tabulation plan – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Submit final report on suggested updates to existing MICS tools – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Maintain and update final protocols and tools – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Output 2a: Bangladesh MICS7
Finalize analysis and reporting tools – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Publish or draft scientific paper(s) on protocols – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Submit summary report on lessons learned – Deadline 15 November 2026.
Output 2b: Surveys fielding in 2026
Design and pre‑test training, logistics review – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Fieldwork trainings and monitoring activities – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Blood testing analysis and reporting for three surveys – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Output 3: Field test
Design and implementation of field test – Deadline 15 February 2026.
Report on field test – Deadline 15 June 2026.
Output 4: Coordination
Monthly summary reports of technical support to countries – Deadline 14 November 2026.
Travel: Country visits (1 review meeting, 2 field test, 7 survey missions).
Qualifications
Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Medicine, Toxicology, or related field.
At least 8 years of experience in quantitative household surveys with experience in biomarkers, venous blood sampling, and logistics, or coordination of large‑scale studies involving blood sampling.
Experience with the Global MICS Programme is highly desirable; experience with the DHS Program is an asset.
Expertise in statistical analyses and familiarity with data processing software, with SPSS highly desirable.
Fluency in English; knowledge of French, Russian, Arabic, or Spanish is an asset.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness and ability to travel to all countries for fieldwork monitoring.
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish effective relationships with national partners.
Demonstrated leadership, managerial, and supervisory ability.
Requirements
Completed profile in UNICEF’s e‑Recruitment system.
Upload copy of academic credentials.
Submit financial proposal including costs per deliverable and the total lump‑sum, travel costs, daily subsistence allowance, visa, health insurance, and living costs.
Indicate availability.
Cover any emergent travel and related expenses – covered by UNICEF.
Have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award.
Payment of professional fees will be based on satisfactory delivery of agreed deliverables; UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables are not up to standard or delayed.
U.S. Visa Information Consultants whose household members reside in the United States under a visa other than G4, or who are G4 visa holders, must change their visa status to G4. Household members (spouse) will need an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to work.
Additional Information
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to advance to the next stage of the selection process.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities.
UNICEF maintains a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination; selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Consultants are responsible for their own taxes, duties, and health insurance.
Selected candidates must be fully vaccinated against SARS‑CoV‑2 with a WHO‑endorsed vaccine before the start of the assignment. Remote consultants are not required to visit UNICEF premises.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Quality Assurance, and Business Development
#J-18808-Ljbffr