Head of the Standards and Data Integration Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) was established in 1999 and serves as UNESCO’s statistical agency for its 193 Member States and 12 Associate Members. The UIS focuses on producing cross-nationally comparable data to support global, regional, and national development agendas across various fields, including education, science, culture, and communication. As the official statistical agency of UNESCO, UIS is responsible for several indicators under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides technical support to Member States to generate high-quality data. The UIS aims to ensure that countries' policies and decision-making are informed by robust statistical information, enabling them to benchmark progress toward national and international goals. The UIS also collaborates with various global mechanisms to support education and data reporting, including the UN Transforming Education Summit and the Global Partnership for Education.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Standards and Data Integration Unit will operate under the authority of the UIS Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Education Section. This role involves leading and coordinating the development and implementation of international statistical standards and data integration frameworks. The incumbent will utilize modern data architectures, statistical software, and AI-driven approaches to enhance data quality, timeliness, and usability. The position requires maintaining the global education indicator database with high standards of quality and relevance. The incumbent will also be responsible for ensuring that the UIS's work aligns with strategic priorities and contributes to the overall mission of UIS in supporting Member States in their data reporting and integration efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of the Standards and Data Integration Unit include leading the planning and execution of the unit’s work plan, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. The incumbent will develop and implement international statistical standards, classifications, and methodologies, and contribute to the development of frameworks such as the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The role also involves designing frameworks for integrating multi-source data, promoting interoperability standards, and overseeing the integration of survey-based and administrative data. The incumbent will develop and maintain comprehensive metadata systems, establish data quality assurance frameworks, and lead the integration of statistical software tools into data production workflows. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute to the methodological development and reporting of SDG 4 indicators, design capacity-building programs, and represent UIS in international forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in statistics, data science, economics, or a related field with a substantial applied statistics/data sciences component. They should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in official statistics, data systems, or related fields, including developing statistical standards and managing large datasets. Proven expertise in statistical frameworks, methods, and tools is essential, along with strong analytical skills for interpreting data and informed policymaking. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to manage a collaborative team in a multicultural environment and possess excellent communication skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in statistics, data science, economics, or a related field is required. The educational background should include substantial training in applied statistics or data sciences, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in official statistics, data systems, or related fields. This experience should include developing statistical standards and classifications, managing large datasets, and extensive use of statistical software and data platforms. Experience in a National Statistical Office, an international organization, or within the UN system is desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (verbal and written) is mandatory, while good knowledge of French (verbal and written) is also required. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 117,598 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The recruitment process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks.