INTERNATIONALS ONLY - Information Management Consultant, Polio Section, Afghanistan, 6 months (Remote with trip)

UNICEF Afghanistan's Polio Section requires time-limited, specialized Information Management (IM) expertise to deliver a set of defined technical outputs during a critical six-month program phase (October 2026 – March 2027). This consultancy is temporary in nature, tied to specific deliverables, and required to support the piloting and national scale-up of the polio program 'reset' strategy, which introduces new data systems, monitoring frameworks, and field-level digitization processes that are beyond the current capacity and expertise of the existing Polio Section team. The consultant will produce defined outputs across three areas: (1) integration of SBC, VCCM, and polio extender monitoring data into the Afghanistan Polio Management Information System (APMIS) to enable real-time analysis under the national 'pull' strategy; (2) structured IM technical support to the M&E team and field offices during the reset pilot phase in the South and Southeast regions; and (3) design and piloting of an AI-assisted digitization workflow for paper-based Registration Books in the East Region, including a proof of concept, field pilot, scale-up concept note, and trend analysis. Contract Duration – 6 months Working arrangement: Home Based with travel 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. At UNICEF, 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. Visitour websiteto learn more about what we do at UNICEF. TERMS OF REFERENCE UNICEF Afghanistan's Polio Section requires time-limited, specialized Information Management (IM) expertise to deliver a set of defined technical outputs during a critical six-month program phase (October 2026 – March 2027). This consultancy is temporary in nature, tied to specific deliverables, and required to support the piloting and national scale-up of the polio program 'reset' strategy, which introduces new data systems, monitoring frameworks, and field-level digitization processes that are beyond the current capacity and expertise of the existing Polio Section team. The consultant will produce defined outputs across three areas: (1) integration of SBC, VCCM, and polio extender monitoring data into the Afghanistan Polio Management Information System (APMIS) to enable real-time analysis under the national 'pull' strategy; (2) structured IM technical support to the M&E team and field offices during the reset pilot phase in the South and Southeast regions; and (3) design and piloting of an AI-assisted digitization workflow for paper-based Registration Books in the East Region, including a proof of concept, field pilot, scale-up concept note, and trend analysis. All outputs are specific, measurable, and time-bound, aligned with the Afghan polio program's 2026–2027 workplan. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Polio Section, with scope defined and payment linked exclusively to submission and approval of agreed deliverables. This is not a staff function: the scope is limited to a defined program phase, requires highly specialized and technical expertise not available within the current team, and will conclude upon delivery of all agreed outputs.If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:ToR x TMC0006262.pdf To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have... - Minimum requirements: - Education: Master`s university degree in Information Management, Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Health Informatics, or related field. - Work Experience: - At least 5 years of progressive experience in information management, data management, or a related field, including at least 2 years working as an Information Management consultant or staff within a UN system or large-scale public health program. - Demonstrated experience in data systems design, management, and integration in complex, multi-level programs. - Familiarity with immunization data management systems and processes at scale (multiple campaigns, 10+ million children per campaign). Prior experience with polio-specific data management systems (e.g. APMIS) is an added advantage. - Language Requirements: - Fluency in English (written and spoken) required. Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an asset - Knowledge/Expertise/Skills: - Strong technical skills in data collection, cleaning, validation, analysis, and visualization tools including Power BI, Tableau, and/or ArcGIS. - Proficiency in database management, including SharePoint and related platforms. - Proficiency in Python and/or Excel for data processing and analysis. - Demonstrated experience with AI-assisted digitization of large datasets is a strong advantage. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to synthesize complex datasets into actionable recommendations for non-technical audiences. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience working remotely across time zones in multicultural settings. - Desirables: - Prior consultancy experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies. - Experience in the Afghanistan or broader South Asia health/humanitarian context. - Familiarity with KoBoToolbox, ODK, or similar mobile data collection tools. - Technical requirements: Technical proposal - Applicants are requested to submit: (i) a CV; (ii) a brief technical note (max. 3 pages) describing their approach to at least one of the following: APMIS or equivalent system integration, AI-assisted digitization, or complex data visualization for decision support in a health program context. For every Child, you demonstrate... UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter:UNICEF Values UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children.The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpageAccessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance. 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 protec