Consultant Technical Support for SDG 4 Data and Statistics Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the official and trusted source of internationally comparable data in education, science, culture, and communication and information. Established as the statistical office of UNESCO, UIS plays a crucial role in supporting countries to strengthen their data systems and enhance the coverage, quality, and use of data for policy and planning. UIS operates globally, working closely with various stakeholders including Ministries of Education and national statistical offices to ensure comprehensive and accurate data reporting, particularly for the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) monitoring framework. The organization is dedicated to improving education statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean, collaborating with multiple partners to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a vital role in enhancing the coverage and quality of education statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically focusing on supporting the UIS in its efforts to improve data collection and reporting for SDG

• The general objective of this position is to assist UIS in enhancing SDG 4 data and statistics coverage in the region. Specific objectives include supporting data collection through UIS instruments, providing technical assistance to countries facing challenges in their data systems, and assisting in the validation of UIS Dynamic Templates. The consultant will also be responsible for identifying and extracting relevant national data sources that can support international education reporting, employing techniques such as data mining and web scraping to achieve these goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the UIS Regional Advisor and will be tasked with several key responsibilities. These include supporting country data submission and validation processes, developing Country Data Plans for countries receiving assistance, and contributing to the creation and maintenance of Country Folders that document reporting gaps and methodologies for SDG 4 indicators. The consultant will review and analyze existing education statistics, particularly in countries with limited capacity or irregular reporting history, and contribute to the verification and finalization of Dynamic Templates to ensure alignment with UIS standards. Additionally, the consultant will analyze and identify usable national data from published reports and datasets to enhance country SDG4 reporting, maintain close communication with the UIS team, and provide technical input for capacity development materials or data cleaning routines as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Education Planning, or a related field with a quantitative focus. A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the education sector is required, particularly in statistics, data analysis, or the management of quantitative education data systems. Proven knowledge of education indicators and monitoring frameworks, preferably related to education, is essential. Experience working with international datasets or national EMIS/school census systems is considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Education Planning, or any related discipline that emphasizes quantitative analysis. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding and managing the complexities of education data systems and statistics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the education sector, particularly in areas related to statistics, data analysis, or the management of quantitative education data systems. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with education indicators and monitoring frameworks, ideally with experience in international datasets or national education management information systems (EMIS) and school census systems.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Portuguese or French is considered an asset but is not required. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration with various stakeholders and for the successful execution of the consultant's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is set for 10 months, with a tentative start date in March 202

• The position is full-time and may offer a hybrid or remote working modality, providing flexibility depending on the project needs and the consultant's location. The consultant will report directly to the UIS Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates must ensure that their proposals are submitted by the deadline of February 25, 2026, at 18:00 UTC−
• UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, and it applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.