Education Research Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a Category 1 Research Institute under UNESCO, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.

• Established to promote education for building peaceful and sustainable societies, MGIEP operates globally, engaging in various educational initiatives and research projects aimed at enhancing social emotional learning and fostering peaceful mindsets. The institute is dedicated to advancing education that contributes to sustainable development and peace, utilizing innovative digital pedagogies and research methodologies.

Job Overview:
The Education Research Officer will play a pivotal role in leading the design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Program Design and Evaluation mission at UNESCO MGIEP. This position involves designing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various educational projects, conducting research to enhance educational practices, and collaborating with stakeholders to adapt methodologies for course design and evaluation. The officer will contribute to the Institute's research agenda by developing measurable skills for online courses and capacity-building programs, ensuring that educational initiatives align with global standards and the needs of UNESCO member states. The role requires a strong focus on evidence-based practices and the ability to mentor and guide program staff in implementing effective research methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Institute’s Research Agenda by designing research that builds measurable skills for online courses and capacity-building programs, identifying indicators that map social emotional learning competencies to educational outcomes, mentoring program staff, and developing innovative research methodologies.
• Contribute to the global research agenda for education for peace and sustainable development by identifying research gaps, developing partnerships with relevant organizations, and organizing strategic dialogues with stakeholders.
• Coordinate stakeholder consultations by providing research inputs for various projects, streamlining research efforts across UNESCO divisions, and building networks with universities and research institutes.
• Management and Monitoring responsibilities include providing intellectual leadership, overseeing adherence to tracking systems for monitoring progress, and preparing reports for senior management on program performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in a discipline relevant to education-related sciences. A PhD is desirable. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in designing and evaluating education programs in various organizational settings is required. Candidates should have field experience in conducting research with educational institutions and government departments, as well as experience in project management and evaluation related to education, peace, and sustainable development.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in education-related sciences is required for this position. A PhD in a relevant discipline is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the design and evaluation of education programs. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting research, project management, and evaluation, particularly in areas related to education, peace, and sustainable development. Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals are essential.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and the approximate annual starting salary is 113,545 US dollars. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve online applications, assessments, and interviews, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and integrity throughout.