Research and Development Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Research and Development Officer
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date: 16-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) is a specialized institute of UNESCO, established to enhance the capacity of Member States to plan and manage their education systems effectively. With offices in Buenos Aires, Dakar, and Paris, IIEP-UNESCO focuses on providing support to countries in developing realistic and credible education system development plans aligned with the Education 2030 agenda, which is part of the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Dakar office is particularly noted for its innovative educational sector analyses and its commitment to reducing gender inequalities in education through various programmatic activities, including applied research and development projects.

Job Overview:
The Research and Development Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the design, planning, and execution of IIEP-UNESCO's Research and Development and Technical Cooperation portfolios. This position requires a proactive approach to contribute to the transformation of education in Africa by generating new knowledge and innovative tools. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the IIEP Dakar Research & Development Programme Manager and will be responsible for managing and coordinating research projects, ensuring that they align with the priorities of the countries involved. The role also involves preparing analytical tasks using both quantitative and qualitative techniques, with a strong emphasis on integrating gender equality and equity dimensions into all aspects of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate Research and Development projects throughout their lifecycle, including conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation. This includes tracking project progress, updating timelines, and preparing reports.
• Prepare and execute analytical tasks using quantitative and qualitative techniques, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing information to provide comprehensive overviews of research topics.
• Support the preparation of research materials in English and French, ensuring clarity and appropriateness for the target audience.
• Assist African countries in developing, implementing, and monitoring education and training policies, including conducting analyses and evaluations.
• Contribute to capacity building within IIEP-UNESCO Dakar by sharing best practices and reinforcing staff capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (at least a master's or equivalent) in fields such as Education, Statistics, Economics, Political Science, Behavioral Sciences, Public Policy, Sociology, International Development, or related social sciences. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis and research in education, particularly in developing countries, preferably in Africa.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, Statistics, Economics, Political Science, Behavioral Sciences, Public Policy, Sociology, International Development, or related social sciences is required for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience in applied research and policy analysis in education and related social sector issues is required. Experience in developing countries, particularly in Africa, is preferred.

Languages:
Very good knowledge of English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish) is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, renewable based on 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 73,046 US dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are encouraged to apply through the UNESCO careers website, and the selection process may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews.