Consultancy - Data Scientist Consultant, Health and HIV/AIDS Unit, Data and Analytics (D&A), DAPM NYHQ (remote-based)

The Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) portfolio of the Health and HIV Unit, Data and Analytics Section of UNICEF New York Headquarters has been providing data analytics support to country offices and regional offices. The UNICEF Actionable Health Analytics for Decision-making (AHEAD) initiative aims to revolutionize how health data is utilized for impactful decision-making. By leveraging rapid cycle analytics, AHEAD seeks to provide real-time insights that save lives, improve health outcomes, and foster a future where every child thrives. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that health systems are agile, responsive, and equipped with the power of data-driven decision-making. In response to urgent needs from countries, we seek a Data Scientist Consultant to finalize the data pipeline and produce analytics focusing on primary healthcare performance measurement. This role will involve working closely with UNICEF teams and country offices to harness local data for timely, granular insights and support data-driven policy and program interventions. The consultant will provide technical expertise needed to navigate this process successfully under the guidance and supervision of the Statistics and Monitoring Adviser (MNCAH).

Consultancy Title: Data Scientist Consultant

Unit Section/Division/Duty Station: Health and HIV/AIDS Unit, DAT, DAPM NYHQ (remote-based)

Duration (estimated start date and end date of contract (provide # of months): 12 Months.

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 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) portfolio of the Health and HIV Unit, Data and Analytics Section of UNICEF New York Headquarters has been providing data analytics support to country offices and regional offices. The UNICEF Actionable Health Analytics for Decision-making (AHEAD) initiative aims to revolutionize how health data is utilized for impactful decision-making. By leveraging rapid cycle analytics, AHEAD seeks to provide real-time insights that save lives, improve health outcomes, and foster a future where every child thrives. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that health systems are agile, responsive, and equipped with the power of data-driven decision-making.  

In response to urgent needs from countries, we seek a Data Scientist Consultant to finalize the data pipeline and produce analytics focusing on primary healthcare performance measurement. This role will involve working closely with UNICEF teams and country offices to harness local data for timely, granular insights and support data-driven policy and program interventions. The consultant will provide technical expertise needed to navigate this process successfully under the guidance and supervision of the Statistics and Monitoring Adviser (MNCAH). 

Scope of Work:

Data Engineering:  

• Design and implement data processing pipelines for timely and efficient data collection and integration.  
• Set up a relational database for data storage and processing on the cloud.  
• Optimize internal data engineering processes for the MNCAH global database.  
• Configure and manage Git/GitHub repositories and CI/CD pipelines to ensure the codebases are tested, working, and deployed on time.  
• Implement and disseminate best practices for data science project management and provide training to team members.  

Data Integration and Analysis:  

• Develop an AHEAD Analytics R package to consolidate routine and survey data.  
• Design methods for a holistic and timely view of health data across multiple system levels.  
• Integrate global and local health data for actionable insights.  
• Develop and apply analytical tools to triangulate data across routine data systems and global datasets.  

Subnational Analytics:  

• Collaborate with country offices to leverage local data for subnational analytics.  
• Enhance decision-making capabilities at local health facilities.  

Model Implementation:  

• Design and train machine learning models to contextualize data and suggest actionable metrics.  
• Streamline data interpretation and increase usability for policymakers and health workers.  

Data Visualization:  

• Develop intuitive data visualizations and dashboards to communicate key insights.   
• Develop dashboards and reports that provide real-time updates on health system performance. 

DELIVERABLES :

1. Database Solution Review and Setup:  

• Review database offerings on Microsoft Azure in line with AHEAD project business requirements.  
• Configure and set-up a selected relational database solution.  
• Ensure stable and continuous operation of the database to efficiently and securely handle health data. 

2. Finalize AHEAD R Package for Internal Dissemination:  

• Prepare a comprehensive national- and subnational-level analytics package.  
• Finalize the implementation of Generative AI (GenAI) component to automatically generate interpretations of the analysis for each part of the analysis. 
• Complete the development of an R package covering the key functionality and analysis of AHEAD project.  
• Ensure that the package is accessible for internal stakeholders, including UNICEF teams and partners. 

3. Production-ready AHEAD R Package for External Dissemination:  

• Incorporate enhancements, bug, and security fixes as per original release of the package.  
• Prepare the AHEAD analytics package for publication and open-source dissemination.  
• Improve and adjust the GitHub repository hosting the R package for CI/CD.  
• Include documentation and instructions for external users.  

4. Training for Country Teams:  

• Conduct training sessions for country teams on using the analytics package.  
• Prepare detailed manuals and relevant training materials.  
• Ensure teams are proficient in using the package and Git/GitHub workflows.  

5. Statistical Analysis:  

• Finalize the implementation of an interrupted time series (ITS) design to evaluate the impact of interventions over time.  
• Conduct exploratory geospatial analysis to understand geographical patterns in health data.  
• Incorporate country-specific adjustments based on feedback from partners to improve data accuracy and relevance.  

6. Data Analytics/Engineering/Science Workshops:  

• Organize workshops to enhance the MNCAH team's capacity in data analytics, engineering, and data science.  
• Cover topics such as best practices and conventions in programming and data analysis, Git/GitHub usage, integration of most recent releases of data analysis frameworks and GenAI models in the UNICEF MNCAH workflows.  
• Review and support the selection of new data visualization frameworks. 

7. Pilot Modern Data Science Tools and Technologies:  

• Explore the potential of cutting-edge data science and AI technologies (e.g., GenAI, computer vision, geospatial data science) for the AHEAD project.  
• Collaborate with the team to integrate these technologies into key MNCAH portfolios.  

8. Support for Dissemination of Results:  

• Assist the MNCAH team in disseminating analytics results.  
• Prepare materials and presentations for stakeholders.  
• Ensure results are communicated effectively to various audiences.  

9. Analytical Tools for Data Triangulation:  

• Develop and apply data tools to triangulate data across routine systems and global MNCAH and broader UNICEF databases (R/Python notebooks) to enhance existing data pipelines. 
• Provide actionable insights for decision-makers at all levels.  
• Ensure the tools are user-friendly and effective.  

10. Support the development of intuitive data visualizations:  

• Develop visualizations to communicate key insights for AHEAD package and beyond.  
• Create dashboards to monitor health system performance updates.  
• Ensure visualizations are accessible and informative for stakeholders. 

11. Development of a proof of concept (POC) application to automate the generation of AHEAD slide deck outputs for non-technical users:  

• Select the most appropriate technical solution for the app development (Shiny, Plotly, Streamlit) 
• Proof of concept (POC) phase: develop an application to automate the generation of AHEAD data/ slide deck outputs   
• Exploratory analysis of enhanced data visualizations and additional analytics (using modern data science approaches, as needed) 
• Provide documentation and user support for the app.  

 12. Travel  

• One trip to Florence for the team retreat  
• One field trip to one of the priority countries to support the AHEAD package dissemination

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

In close collaboration and working with the UNICEF Senior Advisor for Child Protection, the incumbent is responsible for the following deliverables:

Deliverable 1:

Support routine database configuration 

Deliverables/Outputs:

The database solution is selected, configured, and set up.

Delivery deadline:  September 15, 2024 

Deliverable 2:

Finalize AHEAD analytics for Internal Dissemination 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Draft R AHEAD analytics package (and Github repo) is ready for preliminary/internal dissemination. 

Delivery deadline:  September 30, 2024

Deliverable 3:

Production-ready AHEAD R Package  

Deliverables/Outputs:

Production-ready AHEAD R package and Github repo 

Delivery deadline: October 31, 2024 

Deliverable 4:

AHEAD Training for Country Teams 

Deliverables/Outputs:

At least 2 AHEAD data analytics trainings with country teams and/or partners are facilitated. 

Delivery deadline: November 30, 2024 

Deliverable 5:

Statistical Analysis Outputs 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Reproducible Intermittent Time Series (ITS) analysis (documented functions are integrated in the R package) and interpretations are prepared as part of the main AHEAD data package. 

Delivery deadline: December 31, 2024 

Deliverable 6:

Data Analytics/Engineering/Science Workshops

Deliverables/Outputs:

At least 3 capacity building workshops on data science and best data engineering practices are conducted within the Health and HIV team. 

Delivery deadline: January 31, 2025 

Deliverable 7:

Pilot Modern Data Science Tools and Technologies 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Exploratory analysis of data science tools to enhance AHEAD and other ongoing projects within MNCAH portfolio. 

Delivery deadline: February 28, 2025 

Deliverable 8:

Support for Dissemination of Data analysis results 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Prepare data analysis dissemination materials (e.g., data summaries, charts, slide decks, reproducible R/Python notebooks) 

Delivery deadline: March 31, 2025 

Deliverable 9:

Analytical Tools for Data Triangulation across routine systems and UNICEF databases 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Analytical tools (R/Python notebooks) to triangulate data are proposed to enhance existing data pipelines. 

Delivery deadline: April 30, 2025 

Deliverable 10:

Support the development of intuitive data visualizations for AHEAD. 

Deliverables/Outputs:

Data visualizations supporting the interpretation of results are developed (integrated as enhancements into the AHEAD package and available as standalone pieces, as needed) 

Delivery deadline: June 30, 2025 

Deliverable 11:

Development of a proof of concept (POC) application for AHEAD slide deck generation 

Deliverables/Outputs:

POC phase: AHEAD app to produce automated AHEAD outputs is developed using the most suitable technology. 

Delivery deadline: July 31, 2025 

Deliverable 12:

Travel; Deliverables/Outputs:

One trip to Florence , One trip to a priority country 

Delivery deadline: TBA

Qualifications:

Education

•  A master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Big Data, Applied Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related computational field. 
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying and relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirement.
• The individual should be highly proficient in a range of PC/web applications, including but not limited to: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook.

Work experience

• At least 4 years of experience in data science and analytics, preferably in the health sector.   Proven experience in designing infographics, data figures/charts, publications, PowerPoint presentations, country profiles, maps, web content and other data-driven products.
• Documented proficiency in both R and Python as well as data visualization tools (Shiny, Plotly, Streamlit, Tableau, Infogram).  
• Experience conducting statistical analysis including interrupted time series (ITS) design and regression analysis.  
• Proven experience in data engineering, including the design and implementation of data processing pipelines and cloud infrastructure.  
• Experience with Git/GitHub for version control and CI/CD for collaborative development.  
• Hands on experience with cloud services for data storage and processing, including but not limited to Databricks, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud Spanner and BigQuery.  
• Proven knowledge of automated data acquisition via APIs and web-scraping.
• Experience with machine learning models for supervised and unsupervised learning.  
• Experience working in or with low- and middle-income countries is highly desirable.  
• Industry certifications related to cloud services and/or data visualization are highly desirable.  
• Ability to work in Adobe Creative Suite products (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office products (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

Competencies

• Technical knowledge of modern data science approaches, tools, and practices.  Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders.  
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.  

Requirements:

• Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system.
• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include:
• the costs per each deliverable and the total all-inclusive (lump-sum) fees 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, 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.

Health Insurance:

The Consultant is fully responsible for arranging at their own expense, such as life, health, and other forms of insurance covering the term of the Contract as he or she considers appropriate.  The Consultant is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.

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 here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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:  

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.