Quantitative research consultant - Return on Investment analysis in Afghanistan, 2.5 months, Office of Strategy & Evidence(OSE), UNICEF Florence, Italy (Remote) #596253
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a Return on Investment (RoI) analysis for UNICEF's programmes in Afghanistan, focusing on investments and programmes addressing climate change, water scarcity, displacement, and large-scale returns. The analysis will identify alternative investment packages across key sectors such as WASH, health, nutrition, and education, and determine their benefit-cost ratios. The consultant will produce two working papers, one for each driver, detailing background analysis and the RoI findings. Additionally, the consultant will write a policy brief summarizing the RoI results and prepare a presentation of the main findings. This role is crucial for informing strategic investments to improve child outcomes in Afghanistan.
Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant materials, including situation analyses, previous RoI studies, and programme mappings. They will prepare draft RoI methodology sections for two working papers and, in collaboration with UNICEF Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) and Innocenti, confirm priority programme packages for the analysis. The consultant will gather necessary cost and benefit data for selected packages, finalize the methodology, and calculate the benefit-cost ratios, including sensitivity analysis. They will document all assumptions and present the RoI results clearly in the working papers. Furthermore, the consultant will write a policy brief focused on the RoI findings and prepare a PowerPoint presentation to deliver at least one presentation on the main findings. This involves close coordination with ACO and Innocenti throughout the research and analysis process.
Work Experience
At least 7 years of professional experience in applied economic research, with demonstrated experience in conducting Return on Investment analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or cost-effectiveness analysis.
Skills
Analysis of social expenditures and public finance data, Child-sensitive budgeting or budget analysis, Research on impact of social protection, public health, or WASH programming, Research experience in low- and middle-income countries, Ability to organize work with limited supervision, Teamwork and cooperation, Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, Return on Investment (RoI) analysis, Cost-benefit analysis, Cost-effectiveness analysis, Microsimulation (desirable)