Statistical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) was established in 1999 and serves as the statistical arm of UNESCO, supporting 193 Member States and 12 Associate Members. The UIS is dedicated to producing cross-nationally comparable data that informs global, regional, and development agendas across various sectors including education, science, technology, innovation, culture, and communication. The Institute's 2022–2029 Medium-Term Strategy focuses on three main pillars: standards and methodologies, data production, and outreach, ensuring that countries' policies are informed by reliable statistical evidence. The UIS plays a crucial role in monitoring Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and contributes data to significant platforms such as the UN Transforming Education Summit and the G7 and G2

• The Administrative Data Unit (ADU) within UIS supports the statistical program by processing data and metadata reported by Member States, ensuring the integrity and dissemination of statistical information.

Job Overview:
The Statistical Assistant position at UIS involves carrying out essential technical and procedural tasks that support the collection, processing, validation, and dissemination of statistical data. The role is supervised directly by a responsible manager and requires the incumbent to process data for assigned countries, datasets, or questionnaires. The Statistical Assistant must apply established procedures and validation routines to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of statistical outputs. The core responsibilities include compiling and processing data, validating data quality, preparing statistical outputs, and providing support for database systems. The position is integral to the UIS's mission of delivering reliable statistical information to inform policy-making and benchmarking progress against national and international goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data Compilation and Processing: The Statistical Assistant will compile, enter, sort, and update statistical data received from Member States and external sources, adhering to established procedures. They will monitor the reporting status of assigned countries, issue reminders, and maintain contact records. The role involves applying international classifications and running validation routines over the assigned portfolio. Any classification issues or methodological questions will be referred to the Senior Statistical Assistant or supervisor with appropriate documentation.
• Data Validation and Quality Assurance: The incumbent will conduct consistency, completeness, and credibility checks using established checklists and automated reports, correcting errors within their authority. They will calculate indicators using statistical software and apply predefined rules for missing values, documenting the treatment applied. Follow-up with data providers on queries is also part of this responsibility.
• Statistical Outputs and Data Requests: The Statistical Assistant will prepare statistical tables, charts, and data extracts for UIS publications and internal users, ensuring quality assurance checks are performed. They will respond to routine data requests and proofread statistical materials for publication.
• Database and Systems Support: The role includes consolidating reported data in UIS database systems, executing test cases on data collection instruments, and maintaining procedural documentation. The incumbent must apply data access and confidentiality rules to the data handled.
• Meetings, Missions, and Capacity Support: The Statistical Assistant will prepare materials for workshops and provide guidance to national respondents on questionnaire submissions. They will also support the induction of interns and trainees.
• Other Duties: Additional tasks as outlined in the annual work plan and performance objectives will be undertaken as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires completed secondary, technical, or vocational education. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in statistical data compilation, processing, and presentation is essential. Candidates must have experience using statistical software and databases for routine data preparation. Skills in statistical programming environments such as Python, R, SQL, or Stata are necessary, along with advanced spreadsheet skills. Familiarity with data collection applications and data visualization tools is also important. The ability to verify AI-assisted outputs against source data is crucial, as is attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary, technical, or vocational education. Additional training or coursework in statistical methods, data processing, or related quantitative fields is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the compilation, processing, and presentation of statistical data. Experience in using statistical software and databases for routine data preparation is also required. Desirable experience includes preparing materials for workshops and supporting the onboarding of new team members.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French is required, with good knowledge of the other language. A working knowledge of Arabic is also required. Knowledge of another official language of the Organization, such as Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may be necessary depending on the countries covered by the portfolio.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. 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 53,996 CAD. Benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.