UNICEF Opens Fully-Remote Global Research Consultancy in 2025
UNICEF Opens Fully-Remote Global Research Consultancy in 2025. UNICEF is currently hiring a Research Consultant – Statistical Analyst to support its Programme Group in New York Headquarters. This remote consultancy runs from 1 June to 31 December 2025 and is ideal for experienced professionals with a background in economics or statistics. The role focuses on developing cross-country databases and conducting detailed macroeconomic and child-focused analyses to shape policy responses to global debt challenges. This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to child-focused development economics and inform global strategies to protect fiscal space for social spending. Apply now before the 9 April 2025 deadline.
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Background & Job Description
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is globally recognized as the foremost organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of children’s rights across the globe. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNICEF works tirelessly to support health, nutrition, education, and protection for children, particularly those living in vulnerable conditions.
For over seven decades, UNICEF has remained at the forefront of global child welfare. From spearheading vaccination drives to supporting education in conflict zones, the organization operates with one central mission: to improve the lives of children everywhere.
In line with this mission, UNICEF is seeking a Research Consultant – Statistical Analyst to join its Director’s Office of the Programme Group, based in New York Headquarters. This consultancy, which will be conducted remotely, is part of an initiative to assess the impact of national debt burdens on children’s outcomes, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Context
The alarming rise in national debt levels across the Global South is increasingly threatening the fiscal space available for essential social services. With over 59 developing countries now exceeding 60% of GDP in public debt, and debt service obligations soaring, there is growing concern that the ability of governments to fund child-centric services—like healthcare, education, and social protection—is rapidly diminishing.
At the same time, the diversification of creditors and the shift towards non-traditional, non-Paris Club lenders and private creditors have complicated restructuring efforts. Aid flows are weakening, and there is a marked shift from grants to loans. This trend places undue pressure on developing nations, increasing the risk that children, who are least responsible for these macroeconomic challenges, bear the most significant consequences.
UNICEF, therefore, is undertaking a research program that combines macroeconomic analysis with child-focused data to inform policies that safeguard children’s rights amid ongoing fiscal challenges. The selected Statistical Analyst Consultant will play a crucial role in compiling and analyzing data that links debt sustainability and aid flows to children’s welfare outcomes.
Tasks
As part of this highly analytical and impactful role, the selected consultant will undertake the following activities:
- Macroeconomic Data Monitoring and Database Development
Build a comprehensive cross-country database that aggregates debt levels, aid inflows, social spending, and child well-being indicators. This will require sourcing from both international and national datasets and documenting all methodologies used. - Descriptive and Comparative Analysis
Utilize the database to perform both descriptive and comparative analysis—across countries, regions, and income groups—to map trends and correlations between debt indicators and child outcomes. - Stakeholder Coordination
Engage with at least 10 internal and external stakeholders to validate data sources and ensure completeness of datasets. - Briefing Materials and Visualizations
Generate insights and produce accessible, policy-relevant briefs and visual materials that highlight key findings from the data. - Contribute to Manuscript Development
Co-author a 15–20 page analytical paper that can be submitted for publication. This paper will articulate the implications of debt on child development and propose recommendations for debt management policies that preserve or enhance child welfare.
UNICEF Opens Fully-Remote Global Research Consultancy in 2025
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Development Economics, Statistics, or a closely related field is required.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in statistical analysis, especially focused on macroeconomic data, debt sustainability, aid effectiveness, or public finance.
- Strong familiarity with international frameworks for debt restructuring, public finance, and social spending tracking.
- Knowledge of child-focused development indicators is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in one or more statistical programming tools such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, especially for handling large datasets and producing visualizations.
- Exceptional analytical writing and data interpretation skills.
- Experience producing policy briefs, analytical reports, and data-driven publications.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required (both written and verbal).
Additional Information
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Consultancy
- Duration: 1 June 2025 – 31 December 2025
- Location: Remote
- Duty Station: New York Headquarters (NYHQ), United States
- Level: Consultancy
Deliverables and Timeline
The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs on the corresponding dates:
| Deliverable | Description | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Database | Database with 80% completeness and stakeholder outreach report | 30 June 2025 |
| Final Database | 100% validated dataset covering 15 countries, data dictionary | 30 July 2025 |
| Debt Situation Analysis | Descriptive report on global and regional debt categories | 30 August 2025 |
| Social Spending Analysis | Analytical report linking debt, social spending, and child outcomes | 30 September 2025 |
| Additional Data Integration | Include academic/grey literature sources and update documentation | 30 October 2025 |
| Draft Analytical Paper | 15–20 page paper with visuals and five child welfare risk indicators | 30 November 2025 |
| Final Manuscript | Revised manuscript with visualizations and full methodological appendix | 30 December 2025 |
Financial Proposal
Applicants are required to submit a financial proposal that includes:
- Cost per deliverable and total lump sum (USD).
- Any expected travel costs, daily subsistence, visa fees, health insurance, or other living expenses.
- Confirmation of availability throughout the contract period.
Application Requirements
- A complete online profile on UNICEF’s e-Recruitment platform.
- Academic credentials must be uploaded.
- Submission of the financial proposal as outlined above.
Visa Information for U.S. Consultants
For consultants and their families residing in the U.S. under non-citizen status, a G4 Visa may be required. The consultant’s spouse will also need an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to work legally in the U.S.
UNICEF’s Core Values
UNICEF expects all staff and consultants to demonstrate the organization’s core values:
- Commitment
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Integrity
In addition, the following competencies are essential:
- Communication
- Working with People
- Drive for Results
UNICEF also maintains a zero-tolerance policy on:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Abuse of authority
- Discrimination
All consultants are subject to rigorous background checks, including academic credential verification and employment history reviews.
Reasonable Accommodation
UNICEF is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes:
- Accessible technology
- Travel assistance
- Personal attendants if required
Applicants are encouraged to disclose any disability-related needs during the recruitment process to ensure appropriate accommodations can be made.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through UNICEF’s online recruitment portal by the deadline:
Deadline: 9 April 2025 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Job Number: 580797
Apply now to join a high-impact global organization dedicated to transforming children’s futures through evidence-based policy and action.
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