Associate Project Officer - Private Higher Education

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC) is a UNESCO category 1 institute dedicated to higher education. Established to promote the right to higher education, the organization focuses on policy dialogue, capacity development, and research aimed at formulating and implementing quality, equitable, and inclusive higher education systems. The institute operates primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean, aligning its work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes the transformation of higher education. UNESCO IESALC is involved in significant research regarding the role of private higher education in the region, which is crucial as it accounts for half of the enrolments in Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization is committed to enhancing the quality and relevance of education through various initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing UNESCO IESALC's initiative focused on private higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean. This position requires close collaboration with the research team and national associations to ensure the successful execution of the research project. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing data collection, managing documentation, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. The role also involves participating in the development of research instruments, conducting literature reviews, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of data collected. The Associate Project Officer will contribute to drafting research outputs and liaising with various UNESCO entities to promote the findings and recommendations of the research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include:

• Coordinating the implementation of the research project, which encompasses data collection, research activities, document management, and communication with the research team.
• Acting as the liaison between UNESCO IESALC and the research team, as well as national associations, by organizing coordination meetings, monitoring the implementation schedule, and ensuring timely delivery of project outputs.
• Participating in the development and testing of institutional typologies, indicator matrices, survey instruments, and qualitative research protocols.
• Conducting comprehensive literature reviews and documentary analyses to identify relevant policy documents, legislation, research publications, and statistical sources that support the research work.
• Compiling, cleaning, and organizing quantitative and qualitative data from participating institutions and secondary sources, ensuring completeness and consistency.
• Engaging in data validation and quality assurance processes, verifying accuracy, following up on missing information, and maintaining documentation of methodological decisions.
• Contributing to the drafting and editing of research outputs, including country profiles, iterations of reports, presentations, and dissemination materials.
• Liaising with UNESCO Headquarters, field offices, and category 1 institutes as necessary to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Project Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in education, economics, social sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in higher education research and analysis, particularly within the context of Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Demonstrated experience in program/project management in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proven expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Experience in developing analytical tools, surveys, and guidelines for national education systems and/or higher education institutions.
• Familiarity with data visualization methods and strong drafting and analytical skills, enabling the preparation of high-quality policy-oriented publications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master's degree or its equivalent, in fields related to education, economics, social sciences, or similar disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in higher education research and analysis, particularly in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing programs or projects within multi-stakeholder settings, showcasing their ability to navigate complex environments and collaborate effectively with various partners.

Languages:
Excellent drafting and communication skills in both Spanish and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders, drafting reports, and disseminating research findings. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Service Contract at Level SC8, offered for an initial duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is open to external candidates, and applicants must be entitled to work in Uruguay. Interested candidates are required to submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, a letter of interest (cover letter), and a sample of written work in either Spanish or English. The selection process will involve shortlisting candidates based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice, followed by interviews for those who meet the qualifications. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, applying a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encouraging applications from individuals belonging to minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.