Associate Project Officer (Learning Assessments)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) serves as the official source of internationally comparable data on education, science, culture, and communication. Established to support the monitoring of global education goals, UIS plays a pivotal role in tracking progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). The organization is dedicated to providing accurate data and evidence that inform education policies and priorities worldwide. UIS operates in multiple countries, collaborating with various international partners to enhance the quality and accessibility of education indicators. The organization is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in data management and reporting.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer (Learning Assessment) is integral to the UIS's mission of enhancing the management and reporting of learning outcomes data. This position involves coordinating activities across various countries and partner organizations, contributing to data management, research, project implementation, and knowledge sharing. The incumbent will work within a dynamic international team, ensuring effective management of information, processes, and partnerships. The role directly supports the production of reliable evidence used to monitor global learning outcomes and advance equitable, quality education for all. The position requires a proactive approach to managing operational complexities and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learning Assessment Programme Support: Assist in implementing the learning assessment work programme, including the production of global learning indicators and application of data eligibility criteria. Track workplans, deliverables, and milestones while coordinating with internal teams and external partners. Maintain comprehensive documentation of programme processes and technical guidance.
• Data Management & Quality Assurance: Manage learning assessment datasets and databases, ensuring data ingestion, validation, version control, and metadata documentation. Maintain structured repositories of datasets and contribute to data quality assurance processes to uphold the accuracy of learning assessment reporting.
• Analytical & Research Support: Provide analytical support for indicator production, including data preparation and result verification. Conduct background research on learning assessment systems and support the drafting of technical notes and guidance documents.
• Project & Operational Support: Oversee day-to-day project management, including progress updates and internal reporting. Assist with procurement and administrative coordination of project activities.
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Management: Prepare training materials and technical guidance for countries, organize workshops and expert meetings, and maintain structured knowledge management systems.
• Partnerships & Resource Mobilization: Compile background information for potential partnerships and funding opportunities, contributing to the development of funding and project proposals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in statistics, economics, data science, or a closely related quantitative discipline. A strong background in social sciences with a substantial applied-statistics component is also acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of education and assessment concepts, statistical methods, and database management principles. The ability to synthesize complex research and technical information into clear documentation is essential, along with strong written and spoken communication skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as statistics, economics, data science, or a closely related quantitative discipline is required. Specialization or coursework in educational assessment, learning measurement, or international development is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in data management, research, or programme/project support is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in database management and data processing, as well as in supporting multi-component projects or programmes. Experience working with international or multi-country datasets and projects is highly valued, along with familiarity with project-planning tools and financial-tracking systems.

Languages:
Excellent command of English (written and spoken) is mandatory. A working knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable, and knowledge of another official language of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being USD 75,32

• Benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. Candidates are encouraged to apply by the specified deadline, and all applications will be treated confidentially.