Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is a specialized institute of UNESCO that focuses on the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to education, science, culture, and communication. Established to support the global monitoring of education and other sectors, UIS plays a crucial role in providing reliable and comparable statistics to inform policy decisions and improve educational outcomes. The organization operates in multiple countries across the globe, particularly focusing on the needs of developing nations. UIS collaborates with national statistical offices, ministries of education, and various regional partners to enhance the quality and relevance of education statistics. The institute is committed to promoting the use of data for sustainable development and ensuring that education statistics are aligned with international standards and frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The consultancy position at UIS is designed to support the coordination and technical work of the Regional Working Group on Education Statistics for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective functioning of the Working Group, which is essential for enhancing the production and comparability of education statistics across the region. The consultant will be responsible for facilitating communication among members, organizing meetings, and documenting discussions to ensure that the group's outputs are coherent and aligned with UIS standards and SDG 4 monitoring priorities. The role requires a proactive approach to managing the pipeline of analytical and methodological activities, ensuring that priority outputs are identified and followed up on. The consultant will also be tasked with producing analytical papers based on household surveys and population census data, which are critical for informing education policy and practice in the region. This position is integral to UIS's mission of improving education statistics and supporting countries in their efforts to monitor and achieve SDG 4.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of UIS, including:

• Data and Metadata Coordination: Collaborate with national statistical offices (NSOs) and relevant institutions to collect, document, and systematize education-related data and metadata derived from household surveys and population censuses, with a focus on Caribbean countries.
• Support to the Regional Working Group Coordination: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Regional Working Group, including preparing and following up on email exchanges, technical notes, and background materials. Organize and document meetings, ensuring that agendas, presentations, minutes, and action points are accurately recorded.
• Analytical and Technical Contributions: Contribute to the production of analytical and methodological papers, preparing background analyses, tables, figures, and technical annexes for reports. Support the development of methodological notes aimed at improving harmonization and alignment with international standards.
• Deliverables: The consultant is expected to deliver systematized metadata inventories, technical support materials for coordination, analytical inputs for Working Group papers, and periodic progress updates summarizing activities and challenges encountered.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in statistics, economics, demography, education, social sciences, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience working with data, particularly household surveys and population censuses, with a preference for those who have experience in education statistics. Additionally, experience coordinating with public agencies, such as national statistical offices, is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and drafting skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as statistics, economics, demography, education, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of data analysis and the methodologies used in education statistics.

Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record of working with data, particularly in the context of household surveys and population censuses. Experience in education statistics is considered an advantage. Additionally, familiarity with coordinating efforts among public agencies and involvement in regional or international statistical initiatives will be beneficial. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders are essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory, as the consultant will need to draft technical materials and participate in discussions effectively in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is a full-time position with a contract duration of 7 months, from March to September 202

• The consultant will work on-site in Santiago and will be expected to report regularly to UIS while coordinating closely with the UIS focal point for Latin America and the Caribbean. The recruitment process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the hiring process.