UNESCO Project Officer - Strategic Foresight, Research and Country Insights

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) serves as the official statistical agency of UNESCO and acts as the United Nations depository for internationally comparable statistics in education, science, culture, and communication. Established to support Member States and partners in enhancing data production, analysis, and utilization for evidence-informed policymaking, UIS plays a crucial role in the global statistical landscape. It is responsible for a significant portion of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators related to education and is actively involved in international statistical development. The UIS aims to address evolving global challenges and contribute to the post-2030 development agenda by strengthening its strategic foresight, research, and methodological innovation efforts.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for Strategic Foresight, Research, and Country Insights will operate under the authority of the UIS Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Foresight, Research, and Methodology Section. This role is pivotal in implementing the UIS strategic foresight and research program, which encompasses analytical, research, and coordination activities. The incumbent will engage in horizon scanning, applied research, and country data ecosystem analysis, contributing to SDG 4 monitoring initiatives. The position is designed to generate evidence and insights that will support program development, indicator innovation, country engagement, and policy dialogue, thereby enhancing the UIS's capacity to respond to future data needs and emerging policy priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Foresight and Horizon Scanning (30%): Lead the preparation and maintenance of horizon-scanning briefs, trend analyses, and strategic intelligence notes on developments influencing education, science, culture, and communication statistics. Produce foresight products, including background papers and scenario analyses, to support UIS institutional planning and policy dialogue. Identify emerging data needs and strategic risks relevant to UIS programs.
• Applied Research and Policy Analysis (20%): Conduct research on themes related to future measurement agendas, such as well-being, digital transformation, and education quality. Apply analytical frameworks to assess relationships between policy priorities and data systems, providing technical inputs for refinement. Prepare technical papers and policy briefs for UIS management and international partners.
• Country-Level Insight and Strategic Alignment (30%): Manage databases and analytical tools for national SDG 4 benchmark monitoring. Produce analytical reports and evidence products to support program implementation and policy dialogue. Strengthen alignment between national priorities and global monitoring frameworks.
• Indicator Development and Methodological Support (15%): Support technical reviews of SDG monitoring frameworks and related indicator systems. Conduct technical analysis and contribute to methodological reviews.
• Partnerships, Knowledge Management, and Coordination (5%): Maintain databases of foresight and research resources. Coordinate technical inputs from UIS programs and external partners.
• Other Duties: Support the implementation of the work program of the Foresight, Research, and Methodology Section and participate in UIS activities as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, data science, public policy, education, development studies, or a related field, with a strong quantitative, statistical, data management, or analytical component. Additionally, a minimum of four years of progressively responsible professional experience in research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, or international development is required, with at least two years at the international level. Experience in conducting analytical research and preparing evidence-based reports for policy audiences is essential, as is experience in strategic foresight and horizon scanning activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as statistics, economics, data science, public policy, education, or development studies. The degree should have a strong quantitative, statistical, data management, or analytical component, ensuring that candidates are well-equipped to handle the analytical demands of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, and program implementation, with at least two years acquired at the international level. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting analytical research and preparing evidence-based reports for policy or management audiences, as well as experience in strategic foresight and horizon scanning activities.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it would enhance communication within the organization and with French-speaking stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 97,515 USD. Benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection and hiring process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.