About UIS
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), established in 1999, is a pivotal source of global data for UNESCO’s member states, driving agendas in education, science, culture, and communication. UIS is committed to equipping nations with data through its three pillars: standards, production, and outreach. The institute’s vision for 2022-2029 is to provide sound statistical information for policymaking and progress benchmarking. UIS seeks leaders to join its mission to inform decisions with data and make a global impact.

The opportunity
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) seeks a highly motivated and experienced Statistician to join our dynamic team in Dakar, Senegal. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise, shaping the future of education data in Africa. As a Senior Regional Advisor, you will play a critical role in promoting education equity and quality through the development and implementation of data-driven strategies. Embark on a role where your expertise in statistics shapes the educational future of a continent. Join us as a Senior Regional Adviser and make a lasting impact with UIS.
Long Description

Key Responsibilities
Data Collection Excellence
• Craft and execute a Regional Engagement Strategy to elevate the UIS Core System of Education Indicators.
Bolster analytical capabilities to enhance data collection, guide reporting countries, and boost response rates and data quality.
• Collaborate with regional leaders to ensure robust data reporting and validation.

Strategic Capacity Development
• Lead regional analyses to support SDG monitoring and the Education 2030 Agenda, integrating themes like gender and inclusive education.
• Drive the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) and SDG 4 benchmarking.
• Innovate with the Education Standards and Methodology Unit to fortify education indicators.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives in statistics and information systems, optimizing alignment and efficiency.

Dynamic Partnership and Resource Mobilization
• Foster strategic alliances with the African Union and other key entities to advance education data strategies.
• Serve as the pivotal UIS liaison, ensuring seamless coordination of regional programs in SCCI.
• Spearhead resource mobilization, enhancing regional and inter-regional funding collaborations.
Contributions to UIS Core Work
• Annually outline regional priorities and action plans for the UIS Director.
• Align UIS program development with UNESCO field offices and key stakeholders.
• Support the UIS mandate with additional activities and contribute to essential UIS reporting.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)
• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.


Required qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics, economics, demography, education or social sciences with a substantial applied statistics / data sciences component.

Work Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience as a statistician working with administrative, finance, survey, and/or assessment data relating to education of which preferably at least 3 (three) years acquired at regional / international level strengthening education data capacity in Africa.
Experience in capacity building and developing field projects.
Experience with relevant coding languages (e.g., Python, R), data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and database management (SQL).

Skills/competencies
• Ability to explore innovative options to deliver education data, including understanding how to leverage on emerging methodological and technology opportunities.
• Capability to prepare analytical and dissemination products on complex technical issues suitable for a general policy audience.

Languages
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and a working knowledge of the other.


Desirable qualifications
Education
• Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, demography, mathematics, education, social sciences or related areas.
• An advanced degree in applied statistics / data science.

Work Experience
• Experience working in developing countries with National Statistical Offices or Planning Units.
• Experience with partnership development and resource mobilisation.
• Experience in applied research, education data analysis and statistical modelling.
• Experience with modernization of official statistics.
• Experience with current initiatives and issues in the area of data management.
• Experience of working with learning assessments
• Experience in the UN system or a similar agency.

Languages
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)