TERMS OF REFERENCE
Complement and provide continuity to the ongoing work to develop and roll out a new MICS module to measure reading and math skills in early primary and end of primary (FLM2.0). The current contracts only cover the psychometric analysis related to the first national implementation of the FLM2.0 Early Primary module in the Zimbabwe MICS.
These ToRs aim to cover all psychometric analyses related to the next phases of the work in 2026, 2027 and early 2028:
- the testing and validation of the new End of Primary component of the FLM2.0 [Q3-Q4 of 2026];
- the analytical work necessary to assess the reliability of the FLM2.0 Early Primary in 2 additional national implementation in MICS surveys [Q3/Q4 of 2027 to Q1 2028];
- the development of a package of standardized tools and guidance for UNICEF and MICS experts to independently conduct and interpret the psychometric analysis related to the FLM2.0 Early and End of Primary [Q2 2027 to Q1 2028].
Education
- A PhD degree in Psychometrics for educational assessment or similar.
Work Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in Psychometric analysis for educational assessment or similar, preferably reading and math assessments.
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
- Experience with large-scale field testing of assessment instruments, including item selection, form construction, and validation procedures.
- Experience working with household survey data or large-scale national/international assessment datasets e.g. MICS, DHS.
- Proficiency in psychometric analysis software.
Desirables
- Peer-reviewed publications in the field desired.
- Prior experience working with UNICEF MICS or other UNICEF/UN data collection systems.
- Familiarity with foundational learning assessments in low- and middle-income country contexts.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.