Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Overview of the functions of the post
Background
Established in 1999, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) serves as UNESCO’s statistical agency for its 193 member states (MS) and 12 associated members. The UIS agenda is focused on delivering cross-national comparable data for global, regional, and development agendas across fields such as education, science, culture, and communication. The UIS provides technical support to MS, enabling them to produce transformative data based on three pillars: Standards and methodologies, Data production, and Brokering and outreach. The UIS envisions informed policies and decision-making, benchmarking progress toward national and international goals, and learning from collective experiences. As part of our growth, we seek to build a management team that will lead the successful implementation of this vision.

The UIS plays a pivotal role in shaping global education by providing essential data, technical expertise, and leadership in learning outcomes. We actively address challenges related to AI and machine learning, laying a strong foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with UNICEF, the World Bank, OECD, and the GEMR, we fulfill emerging data requirements. Our joint efforts, including the Joint Survey on national education responses to COVID-19, demonstrate our commitment to immediate priorities. The data generated through these initiatives informs global, regional, and funding mechanisms for education. We are at the forefront of supporting countries in achieving improved education outcomes, leveraging AI’s potential and addressing associated challenges.


Purpose
The Senior Statistical Assistant reports directly to the Senior Regional Advisor, performing specialized technical and procedural tasks related to the production and dissemination of cross-national data and indicators. As a focal point for statistical support, the incumbent analyzes national data, ensures compliance with international standards, and participates in regional training workshops. The role involves coordinating activities and projects or delegating them to other statistical support staff, interns, or volunteers.


Core Tasks
• Maintenance and Development of UIS Indicators and Technical Documentation
• Improvement of UIS Statistical Databases
• Processing and Validation of Data and Indicators
• Production of UIS Statistical Outputs and Data Analysis
• Coordination of Activities and Projects


Main tasks & responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Statistical Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
• Compiling, processing, and manipulating data sets from various sources.
• Ensuring accuracy, clarity, and validity of original statistical material.
• Updating statistical series and applying new data and derived statistics.
• Preparing charts, graphs, and other outputs for reporting and presentation.
• Maintaining relevant computerized databases.
• Responding to internal/external queries and liaising with UN system organizations.
• Preparing data sets, maintaining web pages, and performing other assigned duties.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)
• Accountability (C)
• Communication (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.


Required qualifications
Education
Completion of secondary, technical or vocational education.
Work experience
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in data science, statistics, finance, accounting or related area.
• Experience in the use of statistical software for data validation and processing, such as R, Python or Stata, and management of large databases and multi-source datasets.
• Experience with analytics and data visualization applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau or similar).


Skills and competencies
• An aptitude for numbers and the ability to present statistics in tabular and graphic form.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage and analyse large data sets with a statistical package.
• Good organizational skills are essential for timely implementation of work plans.
• Excellent team spirit and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.


Languages
• Excellent knowledge of French.
• Desirable qualifications
Education
University degree or advanced university degree in data science, analytics, statistics or a related field.


Work experience
• Experience with official statistics.
• Experience in data processing.
• Experience in data scripting.
• Experience in responding to inquiries and updating web pages.
• Experience in computer programming (e.g. SQL, VBA, Java).
• Experience in supporting the implementation of projects or activities with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in working with the United Nations system or similar international organization.
• Experience of working in education statistics.
• Professional experience in a government or international organization.
• Experience of working in a development context.


Skills and competencies
Demonstrated writing abilities including contribution to or (co-) authorship of technical papers and analytical reports, preferably in the field of learning assessments or a related area.


Languages
A very good working knowledge of English.
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 17 327 US $.


Selection and recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.