MICS Data Processing Workshop Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys Data Processing Workshop Overview of the MICS Process

Presentation overview Decision process Getting started Survey Plan and Budget

Decision to conduct MICS First step: Why is a survey needed? –In principle, a survey is conducted to satisfy data needs There should be a clearly defined objective of the survey - how data will be used

Data needs assessment To decide, a thorough data needs assessment is carried out Assess whether MICS (or another survey) will be the answer to fill the data gap(s) in question

UNICEF’s role On monitoring-related issues, UNICEF works closely with NSOs and other relevant national organizations UNICEF will be/is working closely with governments to assess data needs, on the basis of the MICS indicator list

Decision Once a MICS is decided, the process begins Participation in the Global MICS Programme

Getting started Establish steering and technical committees Define roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities: the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) Identify survey coordinator and key personnel

Getting started Decide on basic features: –Content [model questionnaires, indicator list] –data collecting tools (paper questionnaires or computer- assisted personal interviewing: CAPI) –reporting domains, sample size [sample calculators] –Fieldwork/data processing personnel needed [personnel calculators] Produce survey plan and budget, including timetable

Steering Committee Instrumental in full national ownership Senior staff from implementing agency, UNICEF, other partners in development, relevant line ministries and stakeholders Meet at critical points during implementation – funding and advocacy, review and approve MoU and survey plan and budget, review survey progress, etc.

Steering Committee Objectives/Tasks –To ensure transparent decision-making –To identify a collaborative approach to fund-raising –To promote understanding for and utilisation of survey and results –To oversee smooth implementation –To appoint/invite technical experts to the Technical Committee

Technical Committee Works under the Steering Committee Composed of technical staff from organizations represented and other stakeholders Advises the Steering Committee on technical decisions and processes

Memorandum of Understanding Between government and UNICEF (and other partners) –Defines roles and responsibilities, accountabilities, –Access and use of data, –Modes and areas of collaboration

Survey Coordinator Technical person to coordinate and contribute to technical processes Typically from the implementing agency Ensures that processes run smoothly, protocols are followed, survey results are understood and used by stakeholders Coordinate work of other technical staff

Other key technical personnel Senior technical personnel/institution(s) Sampling expert Fieldwork coordinator Data processing expert

UNICEF Support Full commitment to work with government counterparts, support implementation, ensure compliance to protocols Work closely with the survey coordinator UNICEF MICS Consultant (under M&E)

The UNICEF/MICS Support and Coordination System UNICEF MICS Consultant / UNICEF Focal Point Regional Experts: In household surveys, sampling, data processing Regional Office: MICS Coordinator/Specialist, M&E Sections UNICEF New York: MICS Team, Statistics and Monitoring Section

Review Process Participation in the Global MICS Programme A continuous review process is in place with communication lines open [Technical Assistance Framework Presentation] No one should (or can) do a survey alone In-country assistance by UNICEF Review of and feedback to all survey documents, tools, data, and results to ensure quality, timeliness, acceptance, and effective dissemination

Country / Survey Plan The Country / Survey Plan (and accompanying Budget) is the operationalisation of the MICS It is the key document that describes all aspects of planning and implementation It is an effective document of agreement and is often used for fund-raising It is considered a “live” document that evolves through the planning and implementation

Timetable and budget Golden rules: –Basic measures adhered to (e.g. simultaneous data entry) –Good planning is key to timeliness of production of results –Ensure that all activities are fully funded –A good survey plan of a necessary survey, with national ownership and international support, always attracts funding and is always funded

Major timetable components Preparation, planning, governance, personnel Adaptation of survey instruments Pre-test of survey instruments Sampling and Listing Main training Fieldwork Data processing* Data analysis and report preparation Dissemination of results Archiving and further analysis