Investigador/a Cualitativo/a para Estudios sobre Transiciones y Desarrollo Socioemocional

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to quality education throughout their life, recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a global public good.

Job Overview:
The position of Investigador/a Cualitativo/a is crucial for the successful implementation of the Horizontes Amazonía Program, which aims to enhance the educational experience of adolescents in the Amazon regions of Peru. The consultant will be responsible for conducting qualitative research focused on the transition from primary to secondary education, analyzing data collected in 2025, and reviewing existing studies on socio-emotional skills. This role requires a deep understanding of educational policies and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including educational authorities and local communities, to ensure that the findings contribute to effective educational policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Reviewing and finalizing the qualitative study on socio-emotional skills, ensuring that it meets the required academic standards and is disseminated to relevant educational authorities.
• Designing and conducting a qualitative study on the transition from primary to secondary education, which involves formulating research questions, developing a theoretical framework, and analyzing qualitative data from various sources, including student drawings and interviews.
• Conducting comparative analyses between different regions to identify factors influencing educational transitions.
• Preparing and presenting research findings to UNESCO teams and stakeholders, ensuring that the results are communicated effectively and can inform policy decisions.
• Participating in technical meetings and contributing to the development of educational questionnaires and other research tools.
• Engaging in regular communication with the UNESCO Education Sector and other relevant parties to ensure alignment and collaboration throughout the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Education, Psychology, Statistics, Economics, or related social sciences. A master's degree in educational policy, social sciences, or a related field is also required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in social or educational research, demonstrating proficiency in qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups. Experience in coordinating qualitative components of longitudinal studies and familiarity with educational evaluation systems is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record in thematic analysis of qualitative data and experience with qualitative analysis software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a professional university degree in relevant fields such as Sociology, Anthropology, Education, Psychology, Statistics, or Economics. Furthermore, a master's degree in educational policies, social sciences, or related disciplines is mandatory, ensuring that the candidate has a strong theoretical foundation to support their research activities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in social or educational research. Candidates should have substantial experience in conducting qualitative research, including leading focus groups and interviews, as well as coordinating qualitative components of longitudinal studies. Experience in educational research within the Peruvian context and familiarity with the national education system is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in linking qualitative evidence with standardized learning assessment results.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish at a native or advanced level is mandatory, as the primary language of communication will be Spanish. Proficiency in English at an advanced level, particularly in reading comprehension and academic writing, is also required, as the consultant may need to engage with international literature and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a consultant contract lasting six months, with no expectation of renewal or conversion to another type of contract. The position is open to external candidates, and applicants must be entitled to work in Peru. The contract does not include medical coverage or other benefits typically associated with permanent positions. Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application, including a personal CV, an Employment History Form, and a Technical/Economic Proposal. The selection process may involve assessments and interviews, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from minority and indigenous groups, as well as individuals with disabilities.