[Hiring] Quantitative Research Consultant @AGORA

Role Description

The RoI analysis will focus on investments and programmes that address two main drivers of vulnerability for Afghan children: climate change and water scarcity, and displacement and large-scale return. Key sectors of interest include:

• Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Health
• Nutrition
• Education
• Skill development

The RoI analysis will identify alternative investment packages across these sectors and obtain their benefit-cost ratios (e.g., WASH in isolation, cash transfers in isolation, cash transfers plus WASH combined).

The main products from this research project will be two working papers, one for each of the two drivers indicated above. Each working paper will include:

• Background analysis on the effects of each driver on child outcomes
• RoI analysis

To conduct the Return on Investment (RoI) analysis and writing for both papers, as well as writing the policy brief, a separate consultant is engaged for analysis and writing of component a) in each paper.

Major areas of work and responsibility:

• Desk review of relevant material, including recent situation analysis reports, previous RoI analyses, and mapping of relevant programmes in Afghanistan.
• Preparation of draft RoI methodology section for each paper.
• Collaboration with ACO and Innocenti to confirm priority programme packages for the RoI analysis.
• Gathering necessary data on costs and estimated benefits of selected programme packages.
• Obtaining the benefit-cost ratio of selected programme packages, documenting all assumptions and including sensitivity analysis.
• Describing the results in the RoI sections of the papers.
• Writing the policy brief, focusing on the RoI.
• Preparing a PowerPoint presentation of the main findings and delivering at least one presentation.

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Economics, Public policy, public administration, statistics, or related field.
• Work Experience: At least 7 years of professional experience in applied economic research, including demonstrated experience in conducting Return on Investment analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Skills:
  • Experience in analysing social expenditures and public finance data.
  • Experience in child-sensitive budgeting or budget analysis.
  • Research experience on the impact of programming in social protection, public health, WASH, or related fields.
  • Research experience on low- and middle-income countries.
  • Ability to organize own work with limited supervision and cooperate as part of a team.
  • Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders across regions and global teams.
• Language Requirements: Ability to speak and write fluently in English.
• Desirables:
  • Experience in conducting Return-on-Investment analysis in fragile contexts.
  • Experience with microsimulations modelling of Return on Investment.
  • Research experience on migration and displacement.
  • A track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals on relevant topics.

Company Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world.

We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.