Senior Statistical Assistant (Foresight, Research and Methodology)

Position Number: 1CAUIS0108PA

Grade:G-6

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): 22/07/2026 EXTENDED

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

Contract duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Only candidates who are entitled to work in Canada may apply to this position.

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the official source of internationally comparable data in education science culture and communication and servThe UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the official source of internationally comparable data in education science culture and communication and serves as the custodian agency for SDG 4 on quality this capacity the UIS coordinates the production validation and reporting of data with Member States and partners worldwide ensuring the global community has the reliable evidence it needs to track progress and shape policy.

The Foresight Research and Innovation (FRM) Section operates at the most forward-looking edge of this work leading SDG 4 coordination anticipating emerging data needs through strategic foresight and developing new methodologies including frameworks for learning assessment. This is demanding workmultiple workstreams complex technical inputs and a wide network of national and international partners all in motion at once. As the agenda grows so does the behind-the-scenes effort that sustains it: maintaining datasets documenting processes organizing meetings and keeping knowledge accessible and consistent. These demands have outpaced existing capacity.

The Senior Statistical Assistant fills that gap. This is not a peripheral role but core operational infrastructuresafeguarding data integrity powering effective knowledge management and keeping the Sections outputs flowing smoothly. By holding this foundation steady the incumbent frees the Sections analytical and methodological work to advance with rigor and continuity. The Terms of Reference that follow set out exactly what this role delivers.

This role is the operational backbone of the UIS Foresight Research and Innovation Section. As its work on SDG4 coordination foresight and methodological development grows busier and more complex the Senior Statistical Assistant keeps the data documents and daily processes organizedfreeing analysts and managers to focus on the substantive work.

The job centers on three things:

• data and documentation: compiling cleaning and version-controlling SDG4 datasets and technical records);
• research and coordination: turning background information into briefing notes and running meetings agendas and follow-ups with partners and Member States) and
• programme and admin support: tracking deliverables across workstreams and handling mission workshop and procurement logistics.

Why it matters: UIS is the official source of internationally comparable education data and a key contributor to global SDG monitoringwork that lives or dies on data that is accurate consistent and ready to use. By keeping those inputs clean and processes running smoothly this role helps the Section deliver on time and to standard.

1. Programme & Workstream Support

• Support implementation of the Sections work programme including SDG 4 coordination strategic foresight and methodological development
• Track workplans timelines and deliverables across multiple workstreams
• Maintain structured tracking tools (e.g. task lists document logs input matrices)
• Support coordination of inputs from internal teams and external partners

2. Data and Database Management

• Compile clean validate and update datasets related to SDG 4 indicators and analytical work
• Maintain databases indicator series and metadata ensuring consistency and version control
• Prepare datasets for reporting analysis and dissemination
• Document and archive datasets and related materials

3. Background Research & Analytical Support

• Conduct structured background research supporting foresight exercises methodological development and SDG 4 reporting
• Compile and synthesize information into briefing notes tables charts and summaries
• Support preparation of analytical inputs for reports and presentations

4. Knowledge Management and Documentation

• Maintain organized repositories of technical documents guidance materials and meeting records
• Ensure version control and accessibility of documents
• Support drafting and formatting of technical notes guidance documents and meeting summaries

5. SDG 4 Coordination & Meeting Support

• Support preparation and organization of technical meetings workshops and consultations
• Assist with agenda preparation compilation of background documents and follow-up on action points
• Facilitate communication with partners and Member States (logistical and documentation support)

6. Administrative and Logistic Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for missions workshops and contracts
• Support procurement and coordination processes as required
• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the team

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary education or technical or vocational schooling.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least eight (8) years of relevant experience in data processing database management or programme support including demonstrated experience supporting projects with several moving parts and organizing meetings and logistics.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency with statistical software (for example R or Stata) and advanced spreadsheet functions.
• Experience maintaining databases datasets and metadata with strong attention to accuracy and version control.
• Experience using document or knowledge-management systems and documenting processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track tasks and manage several workstreams and deadlines at once.
• Clear writing able to produce technical notes and documentation.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

EDUCATION

• Post-secondary training in one or more of: statistics or data management; education social sciences or development studies; or administration project management or information management.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international organization or in projects spanning several countries.
• Exposure to education data or to work related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

LANGUAGES

• Working knowledge of French or of another official language of the Organization (Arabic Chinese Russian or Spanish).

UNESCOs 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 58962 CAD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.

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 addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions 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).

• 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.
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• 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.
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• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCOs 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:
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