Consultant for Educational Data Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE), which is part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Established to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education, UNESCO IITE aims to enhance educational quality and access through innovative technologies. The organization operates globally, focusing on various educational initiatives and projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. UNESCO IITE collaborates with educational institutions, governments, and other stakeholders to foster digital transformation in education, ensuring that educational practices evolve with technological advancements. The organization is committed to promoting open education and data-driven decision-making in educational contexts, thereby enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Educational Data Analysis involves a critical role in compiling and analyzing educational datasets to enhance teaching and learning in online and blended environments within higher education. The consultant will be responsible for conducting desk research on the effective use of educational data, compiling a collection of open-access datasets, and producing an analytical report that provides practical guidelines for educators and administrators. This consultancy is part of a larger project aimed at promoting ICT capacity building and open education in the context of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNESCO IITE and will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs that contribute to the project's objectives. The role requires a strong understanding of educational data systems and the ability to leverage data for informed decision-making in educational settings. The consultancy is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while maintaining a focus on delivering impactful results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including: conducting comprehensive desk research on the application of educational data in enhancing teaching and learning; compiling a collection of at least six high-quality open-access educational datasets suitable for learning analytics and educational data mining; summarizing research findings and producing a detailed analytical report that includes descriptions and analyses of the datasets; providing practical guidelines for educators and administrators on utilizing educational data effectively; ensuring that all datasets are machine-readable, verified, anonymized, and compliant with privacy regulations; and delivering all outputs in English. The consultant will also be responsible for maintaining communication with UNESCO IITE throughout the consultancy period and adhering to project timelines and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as data science, data analytics, educational technology, pedagogics, computer science, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in learning analytics, educational data mining, or related fields, demonstrating a proven track record in conducting research and developing reports. The role requires expertise in end-to-end data workflow management, including data collection, cleaning, processing, storage, analysis, visualization, and interpretation within educational contexts. Candidates should also have advanced knowledge of educational data systems and proficiency in data tools and programming languages such as Excel, Python/R, SQL, and data visualization software like Power BI or Tableau. Strong analytical skills, the ability to write clear and detailed reports, and the capacity to work independently are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as data science, data analytics, educational technology, pedagogics, computer science, or a related discipline. A PhD in one of these areas is considered a desirable qualification, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field of educational data analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in learning analytics, educational data mining, or related fields. This experience should include a proven track record of conducting research, developing reports, and managing data workflows in educational contexts. The ability to assess the quality and relevance of datasets and to apply data-driven strategies in educational settings is crucial for this position.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English language skills are mandatory for this position, as all deliverables must be produced in English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this consultancy role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and offers a contract duration ranging from 1 to 6 months. The position is open to external candidates, and applicants must submit a complete online application along with a technical proposal and a financial proposal. The application deadline is set for 27-MAY-202

• UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving equitable and diverse geographical distribution among its staff.