Senior National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a category 1 institute under UNESCO, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.

• Established to promote education for peace and sustainable development, MGIEP aims to develop and implement innovative educational strategies that contribute to peaceful societies. The institute works on research and capacity building strategies that strengthen the policies of UNESCO member states, ensuring that education is aligned with the principles of peace, wellbeing, and sustainability. MGIEP operates in various countries, collaborating with educational institutions, research organizations, and governments to foster a global dialogue on education for peace.

Job Overview:
The Senior National Project Officer will be responsible for leading the Research and Development Mission at MGIEP, focusing on the conceptualization and implementation of interdisciplinary research projects that promote education for peace, wellbeing, and sustainability. This role involves developing research strategies that address emerging trends in education, particularly in the areas of digital pedagogies and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including UNESCO entities, universities, and research institutes, to design and implement innovative educational programs. The position requires a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and the ability to translate research findings into actionable policies and programs that can be adopted by UNESCO member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior National Project Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including designing and formulating research initiatives that explore how SEL competencies can enhance education for peace and sustainability. The incumbent will lead the development of national and international proposals for funding, ensuring alignment with government reforms and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders. Responsibilities also include managing outreach activities, preparing policy-oriented briefings, conducting training workshops, and collaborating with other missions within the institute to evaluate the impact of educational programs. The officer will supervise the development of manuscripts for peer review and contribute to reports for the governing board, ensuring quality and accuracy in assessing program performance. Additionally, the role involves identifying opportunities for expanding research initiatives and nurturing partnerships with educational networks and research organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in the sciences of learning, education, social sciences, or related fields. A strong background in education policy and sustainability is essential, along with demonstrated experience in evidence-based development of pedagogical tools. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and practice related to education policy, with a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary research teams and securing funding for research initiatives. Familiarity with result-based management and the ability to engage effectively with diverse partners are also critical qualifications.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as the sciences of learning, education, or social sciences is required. A PhD in a discipline related to education is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly for those seeking to engage in high-level research and policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in education policy research, sustainability, and the development of innovative pedagogical tools. Candidates should have experience in designing and executing research programs, leading research teams, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Field experience in conducting research with educational institutions and government departments is also essential, along with experience in Social and Emotional Learning and digital pedagogies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. A working knowledge of Hindi is also required. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability and performance. It is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of India may apply. The role is full-time, and the approximate annual starting salary is INR 6,847,605, which is subject to deductions for pension and insurance. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.