Senior National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a UNESCO category 1 institute established to focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.

• The institute aims to develop and promote innovative approaches to education that foster peaceful and sustainable societies. It contributes to the conceptualization, design, and implementation of research and capacity-building strategies that strengthen the policies of UNESCO member states in promoting education for peace, well-being, and sustainability. MGIEP operates with a mission to enhance educational practices and policies through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Senior National Project Officer will operate under the guidance of the Director of the Institute and will be responsible for leading the Research and Development Mission. This role involves conceptualizing and implementing interdisciplinary research projects focused on education for peace, well-being, and sustainability. The officer will develop research strategies that address emerging trends in education, particularly in digital pedagogies and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies. The position requires collaboration with various entities, including universities and research institutes, to design and implement programs that integrate SEL into educational systems. The officer will also be responsible for conducting research, building capacity for socio-emotional skills, and ensuring alignment with government reforms and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with designing and formulating research initiatives that explore how SEL competencies can promote education for peace and sustainability. They will lead the Research and Development Mission to secure funding for national and international proposals, collaborate with UNESCO entities on research projects, and oversee the design and implementation of evidence-based programs. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, analyzing data, preparing policy briefings, and managing outreach activities. The officer will also coordinate with various project teams, develop strategic partnerships, and contribute to the organizational development of MGIEP as a member of the Senior Management Team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Learning Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, or related fields. They should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in education policy research, sustainability, and the development of pedagogical tools. Experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications are essential. Candidates should also have experience in Social and Emotional Learning, digital pedagogies, and fundraising.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Learning Sciences, Education, or Social Sciences is required. A PhD in a discipline related to education is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in education policy research and practice, particularly in sustainability and innovative pedagogical development. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in designing and executing research programs and supervising their implementation. Field experience in conducting research with educational institutions and government bodies is also necessary.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of Hindi. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for one year with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The position is open to nationals of India only. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is INR 6,847,605, subject to deductions for pension and insurance. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.