Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) serves as UNESCO’s statistical agency and is recognized as the official source for internationally comparable data across various sectors including education, science, culture, and communication. Established to advance evidence-based policymaking, UIS plays a crucial role in monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the availability, quality, and comparability of data. The organization is committed to strengthening the capacity of member states to produce and utilize statistics effectively. UIS is known for its investment in methodological innovation, strategic foresight, and advanced analytics, including the use of artificial intelligence and web scraping techniques. The organization operates globally, focusing on improving education data and supporting SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position is pivotal in supporting the implementation of the UIS learning assessment work programme. The incumbent will report directly to the Section Chief and collaborate closely with the Programme Specialist/Psychometrician. This role involves coordinating partnerships, managing contracts, and overseeing deliverables to ensure the successful execution of multiple learning-assessment initiatives. The Project Officer will be responsible for managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all projects are executed smoothly and efficiently. The position requires a proactive approach to data acquisition, management, and quality assurance, as well as a strong focus on data analysis and diagnostics to enhance UIS's global indicator databases. The Project Officer will also play a key role in project management, ensuring that all activities align with UIS's strategic objectives and deliver measurable results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Global Data Acquisition, Management, and Quality Assurance: The Project Officer will design and implement data acquisition processes, which include collecting learning assessment data from various partners, documenting sources, and utilizing techniques such as web scraping. The role also involves supporting data acquisition for new indicators under development or revision and applying rigorous data quality checks and validation protocols in compliance with UIS and international standards.
• Data Analysis and Diagnostics: The incumbent will conduct analyses to evaluate UIS indicator data production processes, identifying strengths and bottlenecks in the coverage and quality of UIS global indicator databases. They will contribute to internal reviews and methodological refinement efforts, ensuring alignment with best statistical practices, and develop compelling data visualizations and high-quality reports to communicate findings effectively.
• Work Plan and Project Management: The Project Officer will monitor progress against work plans, identifying risks or delays, and coordinate activities across multiple initiatives, including capacity-building efforts. They will support operational planning of technical products and indicator frameworks, applying results-based management principles to evaluate project outcomes.
• Contract and Partnership Administration: The role includes administering partnership agreements and managing consultant contracts, liaising with implementing partners to ensure alignment with project objectives, and tracking deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Section-Level Data Coordination: The Project Officer will maintain comprehensive records of section data, including timelines, deliverables, and correspondence, and support documentation efforts related to governance tools.
• Additional Duties: The incumbent will perform other tasks as assigned by the Section Chief or supervisor to ensure the success of the Section’s work programme.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline, such as demography, economics, or applied mathematics. Alternatively, a degree in the social sciences with a substantial applied statistics component or an equivalent professional qualification is acceptable. Candidates must have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in data collection, validation, and analysis, including database management, with at least two years at the international level. A proven record in coordinating large-scale databases, executing rigorous data processing and quality checks, and managing the dissemination of education statistics is essential. Additionally, demonstrated expertise in database management, data collection and validation, and comprehensive data analysis is required. Experience in organizing workshops, managing contracts, and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects is also necessary, along with familiarity with education systems in developing countries and the challenges related to learning assessment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline, such as demography, economics, or applied mathematics. Alternatively, a degree in the social sciences with a substantial applied statistics component or an equivalent professional qualification is acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of data analysis and management within the context of international education statistics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in data collection, validation, and analysis, including database management. Candidates should have at least two years of experience at the international level, demonstrating a proven record in coordinating large-scale databases and executing rigorous data processing and quality checks. Experience in managing the dissemination of education statistics and familiarity with education systems in developing countries is desirable, as is experience in organizing workshops and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is an excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Additionally, a working knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable, and knowledge of another official UNESCO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with an initial duration of two years, which is renewable based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 95,628 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are encouraged to apply through the UNESCO careers website, and the selection process may include tests, assessments, and interviews. UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving equitable and diverse geographical distribution among its staff.