Associate Project Officer- Digital Games

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a specialized Category-I institute under UNESCO, dedicated to advancing education for peace and sustainable development. Established to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 7, the institute focuses on fostering global citizenship through innovative educational strategies. MGIEP emphasizes the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies and employs digital pedagogies to achieve its mission. The organization is committed to creating impactful educational experiences that promote peace and sustainability, and it operates in various countries, contributing to global educational initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer- Digital Games will play a pivotal role in leading the digital games for peace program at UNESCO MGIEP. This position requires a creative and strategic thinker who can conceptualize and design educational games that align with the institute's mission of promoting peace, well-being, and sustainability. The officer will work under the guidance of the Director and the National Project IT Officer, ensuring that all game designs are pedagogically sound and contextually relevant. The role involves collaborating with various teams within the organization, as well as external partners, to develop high-quality digital educational products. The officer will also be responsible for overseeing the deployment of game-based courses on the MGIEP learning platform, conducting research on game-based learning outcomes, and engaging with the broader EdTech ecosystem to explore innovative approaches in educational technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer- Digital Games include:

• Designing educational games that promote peace, well-being, and sustainability, ensuring they are pedagogically effective and aligned with MGIEP's mission.
• Collaborating with internal teams to conceptualize and develop digital games and game-based tools for learning and assessment.
• Coordinating with external development partners to oversee the implementation and maintenance of educational technology products, ensuring quality control and timely delivery.
• Overseeing the creation and deployment of digital game-based courses on the MGIEP learning platform, working with educators to adapt content and monitor implementation.
• Conducting research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of game-based educational interventions, collecting and analyzing data to contribute to the evidence base for digital games in education.
• Engaging with the EdTech ecosystem to build partnerships and explore innovative approaches in educational game design.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure coherence and innovation across digital learning initiatives.
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Project Officer- Digital Games include:

• An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in Digital Gaming, Instructional Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, Learning Technology, or related fields.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in designing and/or managing digital educational products, with a preference for experience in game-based learning tools.
• Experience in coordinating or conducting research and evaluation related to educational technology or game-based learning.
• Proven experience in digital game design and development, including designing and testing the effectiveness of game-based products.
• Familiarity with working across multiple stakeholders and digital learning platforms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in relevant fields such as Digital Gaming, Instructional Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, Learning Technology, or related disciplines. A PhD in these areas is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the field of digital educational products, particularly in designing and managing game-based learning tools. Candidates should have experience in research and evaluation related to educational technology, as well as hands-on experience in digital game design and development. Familiarity with digital learning platforms and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are essential.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Hindi is required. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 12 months, with a possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. There is a probation period of 6 months. The position is full-time and open to external candidates. The starting annual salary for this role is INR 3,286,361, and the salary is taxable. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, reimbursement of medical insurance (up to 5% of base salary), and a pension plan (up to 10% of base salary). The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and panel interviews, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.