Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 1CAUIS0096PA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station: Montreal

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-NOV-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: initially two (2) years, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is UNESCO's statistical agency and the official source of internationally comparable data on education, science, culture and communication. UIS advances evidence-based policymaking and helps monitor progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving the availability, quality and comparability of data and by strengthening member states' capacity to produce and use statistics. To meet growing demand for timely, disaggregated data, UIS invests in methodological innovation, strategic foresight and advanced analytics (including AI and web scraping), and builds agile data systems and partnerships. The Section of Learning Assessment, Foresight and Innovation — which integrates Learning Assessment, Strategic Foresight and Methodological Innovation — leads UIS efforts to strengthen global education data and support SDG 4.

Purpose

The Project Officer supports implementation of the UIS learning assessment work programme. Reporting to the Section Chief and working closely with the Programme Specialist/Psychometrician, the incumbent coordinates partnerships, contracts and deliverables, and manages resources, timelines and stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth execution of multiple learning-assessment initiatives.

Long Description

Main Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Global Data Acquisition, Management, and Quality Assurance

• Design and implement data acquisition processes, including collecting learning assessment data from partners, documenting sources, and using techniques such as web scraping.
• Support data acquisition for new indicators under development or revision.
• Design and apply rigorous data quality checks and validation protocols in compliance with UIS and international standards, contributing to the release of global indicators.

2. Data Analysis and Diagnostics

• Conduct analyses to assess UIS indicator data production processes.
• Identify strengths and bottlenecks in the coverage and quality of UIS global indicator databases.
• Contribute substantively to internal reviews and methodological refinement efforts, ensuring alignment with best statistical practices.
• Develop compelling data visualizations (e.g., Tableau) and prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate findings to internal and external partners, including donors.

Long Description

3. Work Plan and Project Management

• Monitor progress against work plans, identifying risks or delays.
• Coordinate activities across multiple initiatives, including capacity-building efforts.
• Support operational planning of technical products and indicator frameworks.
• Apply results-based management principles to evaluate project outcomes, ensuring that data functions and releases deliver measurable results aligned with institutional priorities.

4. Contract and Partnership Administration

• Administer partnership agreements and manage consultant contracts.
• Liaise with implementing partners to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Track deliverables and coordinate reporting requirements.

5. Section-Level Data Coordination

• Maintain comprehensive records of section data, including timelines, deliverables, and correspondence.
• Support documentation efforts related to governance tools such as the Vetting Mechanism and the Virtual Fund.
• Draft progress reports and briefing notes for senior management and donors.

6. Additional Duties

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Section Chief or supervisor to ensure the success of the Section's work programme.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism (C) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) -
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree in statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline (such as demography, economics, or applied mathematics), or in the social sciences with a substantial applied statistics component, or equivalent professional qualification.

Work Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in data collection, validation, and analysis, including database management, preferably with at least two years at the international level.
• Proven record in coordinating large-scale databases, executing rigorous data processing and quality checks, and managing the dissemination of education statistics.
• Demonstrated expertise in database management, data collection and validation, and comprehensive data analysis.
• Experience organizing workshops, managing contracts, and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
• Familiarity with education systems in developing countries and challenges related to learning assessment is desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in statistical software such as Stata and Python, and programming in SQL.
• Advanced skills in Excel (including VBA for automation) and data visualization tools such as Tableau.
• Familiarity with the principles and application of results-based management. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in project planning tools and financial tracking systems.

Languages

• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Experience at the international level within a UN agency or similar organization is preferred.
• Familiarity with education systems in developing countries and challenges related to learning assessment is an asset. 

Languages

• Working knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 95,628 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Footer

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. 

---