National Project Officer (Research and Development)

Job Posting Organization:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s first education-related category 1 institute in the Asia and the Pacific region. Established to promote Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, MGIEP focuses on the development and promotion of education that fosters peace and sustainable development. The institute is recognized for its leadership in the conceptualization, design, training, and assessment of social emotional learning (SEL) programs, drawing from robust scientific research to create effective educational approaches aimed at building a more peaceful and sustainable world. MGIEP operates with a commitment to integrating research into practical applications in educational settings, thereby influencing policy and practice across various educational systems.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer (Research and Development) will play a crucial role in advancing the research agenda of MGIEP, specifically focusing on social emotional learning (SEL) competencies. This position requires the individual to serve as the primary resource for research initiatives, translating empirical evidence into actionable pedagogical strategies and training designs. The officer will work under the guidance of the Director and the Senior National Project Officer, ensuring that research findings are effectively integrated into educational practices. The role involves not only conducting research but also collaborating with various stakeholders to promote the implementation of SEL programs across educational institutions. The officer will be responsible for developing evidence-based assessments and ensuring that the research aligns with the broader objectives of UNESCO and MGIEP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: conducting quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate the Cognitive Academic Social Emotional framework; advising on the design and implementation of SEL programs; developing evidence-based assessments to measure the impact of SEL competencies; translating research findings into peer-reviewed publications; coordinating with team members to ensure effective implementation of SEL programs; monitoring international conferences for opportunities to showcase MGIEP research; managing deliverables for external vendors; and collaborating with the communications team to disseminate research findings to stakeholders. The role also includes supporting the R&D mission head in monitoring research progress and ensuring compliance with project goals, budgets, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in psychology, cognitive science, science of learning, neuroscience, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in research program development and design. Strong research design skills, excellent content knowledge of SEL competencies, and a proven track record of research publications are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral, and familiarity with infographics is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in relevant fields such as psychology, cognitive science, science of learning, or neuroscience. A PhD in one of these areas is desirable and would enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in research program development and design. Candidates should have a solid background in conducting research, particularly in the context of educational programs and social emotional learning.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Good knowledge of Hindi is also required. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages is considered desirable and would be an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of India may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is INR 4,926,329, subject to deductions for pension and insurance. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. 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. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups.