Project Officer (Strategic Foresight, Research and Country Insights)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1CAUIS0109PA

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station: Montreal

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 31/08/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the official statistical agency of UNESCO and the United Nations depository for internationally comparable statistics in education, science, culture and communication. As the custodian agency for a large proportion of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators in education and an active contributor to international statistical development, the UIS supports Member States and partners in strengthening data production, analysis and use for evidence-informed policymaking.

In response to evolving global challenges and emerging discussions on the post-2030 development agenda, the UIS is strengthening its work on strategic foresight, research and methodological innovation. The programme seeks to anticipate future data needs, identify emerging policy priorities, support the development of next-generation indicators and measurement frameworks, and strengthen the link between global priorities and national data systems.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UIS and the direct supervision of the Chief, Foresight, Research and Methodology Section, the Project Officer (Strategic Foresight, Research and Country Insights) supports the implementation of the UIS strategic foresight and research programme through analytical, research and coordination activities. The incumbent contributes to horizon scanning, applied research, country data ecosystem analysis and SDG 4 monitoring initiatives, generating evidence and insights that support programme development, indicator innovation, country engagement and policy dialogue.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Foresight and Horizon Scanning (indicative: 30%)

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  • Lead the preparation and maintenance of horizon-scanning briefs, trend analyses and strategic intelligence notes on emerging developments that may influence education, science, culture and communication statistics.
  
  
  • Produce foresight products, including background papers, scenario analyses and strategic intelligence reports, in support of UIS institutional planning and policy dialogue.
  
  
  • Identify emerging data needs, strategic risks, opportunities and measurement gaps relevant to UIS programmes.
  
  
  
  

2. Applied Research and Policy Analysis (indicative: 20%)

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  • Conduct research on priority themes related to future measurement agendas, including well-being, digital transformation, climate change, skills development, education quality, equity and lifelong learning.
  
  
  • Apply established analytical frameworks to assess relationships between policy priorities, data systems and statistical indicators, and provide technical inputs for their refinement.
  
  
  • Prepare technical papers, literature reviews, policy briefs and discussion documents for UIS management, Member States and international partners.
  
  
  • Support research activities underpinning post-2030 education and development monitoring discussions.
  
  
  
  

Long Description

3. Country-Level Insight and Strategic Alignment (indicative: 30%)

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  • Manage, maintain and quality-assure the databases and analytical tools supporting national SDG 4 benchmark monitoring and country data ecosystem analysis, including LASER and related tools.
  
  
  • Produce analytical reports, briefing materials and evidence products to support programme implementation, regional and country engagement, and policy dialogue.
  
  
  • Strengthen the alignment between national priorities and global monitoring frameworks through comparative and country-level analysis.
  
  
  
  

4. Indicator Development and Methodological Support (indicative: 15%)

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  • Support technical reviews of SDG monitoring frameworks and related indicator systems.
  
  
  • Undertake technical analysis, testing and documentation of proposed indicators and measurement approaches, under the guidance of senior technical staff.
  
  
  • Contribute to methodological reviews and exploratory work on innovative approaches to data production, integration and use.
  
  
  • Prepare technical documentation and supporting materials for expert groups and international meetings.
  
  
  
  

Long Description

5. Partnerships, Knowledge Management and Coordination (indicative: 5%)

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  • Maintain databases and repositories of foresight, research and policy resources.
  
  
  • Coordinate technical inputs from UIS programmes and external partners, and support consultations with UNESCO sectors, Member States, research institutions and development partners.
  
  
  • Contribute to knowledge-sharing activities and internal capacity-building related to foresight and anticipatory approaches.
  
  
  
  

6. Other Duties

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  • Provide support to the implementation of the work programme of the Foresight, Research and Methodology Section; participate in relevant UIS activities and undertake other duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of programme objectives.
  
  
  
  

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)


• Accountability (C)


• Innovation (C)


• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)


• Planning and organizing (C)


• Results focus (C)


• Teamwork (C)


• Professionalism (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, data science, public policy, education, development studies or a related field, with a strong quantitative, statistical, data management or analytical component.

Work Experience

• Minimum four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, programme implementation or international development, of which at least two (2) years acquired at international level.


• Experience conducting analytical research and preparing evidence-based reports for policy or management audiences.


• Experience undertaking strategic foresight, horizon scanning, trend analysis, policy intelligence or related analytical activities.


• Experience managing, maintaining or analysing statistical databases and large datasets, including the use of statistical and data management software such as Python, SQL, R, Stata or equivalent analytical tools.

Long Description

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical information for policy audiences.


• Excellent drafting and communication skills.


• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outputs within established deadlines.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments and to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.


• Good project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Proficiency in standard office and analytical software.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Specialization in strategic foresight, futures studies, public policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or development research.


• Additional training in quantitative analysis, statistics, data science or scenario-planning methodologies.

Work Experience

• Experience supporting programme implementation in an international organization, government agency, research institution or similar setting.


• Experience relating to education statistics, SDG monitoring or international development indicators.


• Knowledge of futures studies methodologies and scenario development techniques.


• Experience working with national statistical systems, ministries or international organizations.


• Experience coordinating activities involving multiple stakeholders and partners.

Long Description

Skills and Competencies

• Familiarity with SDG monitoring frameworks and international statistical systems.


• Knowledge of foresight methodologies and anticipatory governance approaches.


• Knowledge of education-sector data systems and policy processes.


• Experience supporting international consultations and expert groups.

Languages

• Working knowledge of French (oral and written).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 97,515 USD 

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.


• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.


• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.


• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.


• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.


• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.


• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net


• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.


• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.


• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.