Project Officer (Research)

Title: Project Officer (Research), Global Education Monitoring Report

Domain: Education

Grade: P3

Organizational Unit: ED/GMR

Primary Location: Paris

Type of contract: Project Appointment

Duration of the contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance

Annual salary: Dependent rate: approx. 87,936 USD

Single rate: approx. 82,152 USD

Deadline (midnight, Paris time): 1 September 2015

Application to be sent to: gmrpost@unesco.org

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST 

Since 2002, the Education for All Global Monitoring Report (GMR) has been an authoritative, analytical, evidence-based report monitoring progress towards the Education for All (EFA) goals, and education-related Millennium Development Goals. Developed by an independent team and published annually by UNESCO, the GMR assessed the extent to which countries met their commitments to international education targets, and proposed policies and strategies to accelerate progress. The Report is widely recognized as an indispensable reference tool for education leaders and in global education policy circles. (en.unesco.org/gem-report/reports).

In May 2015, the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEMR) received a mandate from the World Education Forum to begin monitoring the post-2015 education goal and targets, to be adopted at the UN Summit on the post-2015 development agenda in New York (September 2015). The first report in the GEMR series will not only establish a framework for following up, reviewing and monitoring education policy priorities and key financing patterns and challenges; it will also explore the interrelationship of education and various sustainable development goals. Under the overarching theme of ‘Education, sustainability and the post-2015 development agenda’, the 2016 GEMR will critically assess evidence to determine which education strategies, policies, and programmes are most effectively linked to the economic, social, environmental and political priorities of the sustainable development agenda. Finally, the Report will assess major post-2015 developments in governance, financing and inter-sectoral integration that have implications for research and policy in education.

The GEMR is seeking to recruit a Research Officer, specialising in one of the following areas: learning measurement and assessment; gender equality; higher education/TVET; and non-formal education/adult skills and competences.

Duties: Under the authority of the Director and the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst of the Global Education Monitoring Report, he/she will:

• Undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis as required in the preparation of the Report
• Provide syntheses of research literature on selected themes
• Undertake research for specific sections of the new Report
• Assist in commissioning and managing external experts to conduct specific research studies
• Prepare written material for designated sections of the Report to first draft standard
• Support the editing and quality assurance of final version of the Report
• Communicate the Report in public fora

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERTISE

• Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters) in a program in education, development studies, economics, sociology, social policy, or other related social science discipline.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas: learning measurement and assessment; gender equality; higher education/TVET; and non-formal education/adult skills and competences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of professional experience as a researcher and/or analyst in one of the required areas of expertise listed aboveof which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Proven record of publications, particularly in peer reviewed journals

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong quantitative skills and knowledge of different research methods
• Strong analytical and drafting skills in English
• Ability to think critically and innovatively
• Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines
• Ability to maintain effective collegial relations in a multi-cultural setting and to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent IT skills to carry out the work

LANGUAGES

• Excellent oral and written English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Direct practical experience of work in, a national education system, a major non-governmental organization or an international development agency
• Research experience in an academic setting or a research institute

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of other UN working languages preferable, particularly French or Spanish.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates.

Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance..

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

How to apply

To apply please send your application directly to Leila Loupis, Education Sector, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07-SP, France, or by Email gmrpost@unesco.org by 1 September 2015. Candidates must send application letter and resume, in English, with UNESCO CV (form to be used).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from developing countries.

For more information on the Global Education Monitoring Report, consult our website:http://en.unesco.org/gem-report