Director of Knowledge Generation and Mobilization

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) is a specialized organization established in 1963 as part of UNESCO. It operates with a mission to support educational policy, planning, and management globally. IIEP has offices in Paris, Dakar, and Buenos Aires, and it relies on voluntary contributions from core donors and project funding to achieve its objectives. The organization plays a unique role within the United Nations system, focusing on enhancing educational systems worldwide through research, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Director of Knowledge Generation and Mobilization (KGeM) at IIEP will lead the program aimed at generating and mobilizing knowledge in the field of education. This role involves setting clear objectives for IIEP's work related to research, publications, and knowledge curation. The incumbent will formalize quality assurance standards for research projects and knowledge products, ensuring that all deliverables meet high standards. The position also requires the development of IIEP's foresight function, exploring new topics, and promoting innovations in educational policy. The Director will oversee research and capacity development in digital governance, transparency, and accountability in education, facilitating policy dialogue and providing technical support to countries. Additionally, the role includes advocating for IIEP's mission externally and ensuring a performance management culture within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set clear objectives for IIEP’s program of work related to research, publications, knowledge curation, communication, and reporting.
• Formalize IIEP’s quality assurance standards and operating procedures for research projects and knowledge products across all offices.
• Provide advice and assistance to IIEP Programme Specialists in research activities.
• Coordinate the visiting researcher’s program.
• Develop IIEP’s foresight function in coordination with the Director, exploring new topics and promoting innovations.
• Coordinate the production of flagship publications and commission papers for working papers.
• Lead research, technical assistance, and capacity development in digital governance and accountability in education.
• Document trends, coordinate international surveys, and write synthesis reports.
• Present research results in international and national arenas. 1
• Advocate for IIEP’s mission and strengthen academic partnerships. 1
• Organize and attend high-level events and capacity-building activities. 1
• Ensure a performance management culture by supervising personnel and managing budgets.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Economics of Education, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Sciences, or Development Studies.
• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in research and development in education, with at least five years at the international level.
• Professional experience in knowledge management, publications, and communication.
• Experience in building and maintaining academic partnerships at national and international levels.
• Proven expertise in generating new knowledge and organizing seminars.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, Economics of Education, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Sciences, or Development Studies. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in these fields is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of education research and development. Candidates should have at least five years of experience acquired at the international level, demonstrating a strong background in knowledge management and the ability to work with various stakeholders, including ministries of education and international partners.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English and French is mandatory. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, renewable. The role is classified at the P-5 level, indicating a seniority level that requires significant experience and expertise. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 161,347 US dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.