Associate Project Officer- Research

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level : SC8

Hiring Unit :Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : New Delhi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight India Standard Time -IST) : 30/06/2026

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

The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO MGIEP) is UNESCOs Category 1 research institute in the Asia-Pacific region dedicated to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 i.e. education for building peaceful and sustainable societies.

One of the ways the Institute advances this goal is by promoting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to nurture peaceful mindsets. Through a range of programs and online courses MGIEP strives to strengthen core Social and Emotional Competencies (SECs) such as empathy mindfulness compassion and critical inquiry among teachers students and young people.

In keeping with its mandate to mainstream SEL in education systems MGIEP continues to generate research and evidence to inform policy and practice on SEL for learning peace global citizenship and sustainable development. To support this work MGIEP seeks to recruit a technically competent and motivated researcher at the masters level with demonstrated interest in social and emotional learning and education research. The role will contribute to advancing research on SEL in both formal and informal learning environments including classrooms as well as virtual and physical learning spaces and in the design of novel teacher capacity building programs in alignment with the institutes mid-term strategy.

The selected candidate should have academic training and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: (a) research design and methods in education and/or SEL; (b) innovative approaches to measurement and assessment of social and emotional competencies; (c) early childhood development and skill acquisition; (d) psychology of behavioural change and learning across contexts; and (e) cognitive science of learning across social emotional and cognitive domains.

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Institute and the direct supervision of the Sr. National Project Officer (Research) the incumbent will serve as Associate Project Officer (Research) and work in close collaboration with the Associate National Project officer and other team members within the larger teams. The role will support the design development and implementation of research programmes related to SEL for learning and the cultivation of social and emotional competencies for peace and sustainability with particular focus on early childhood and the development and validation of novel SEL assessment approaches.

• The incumbent will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:
• Review and synthesize the latest research and evidence across programme domains related to SEL early childhood education global citizenship peace and sustainable development.
• Contribute to the design of research studies that strengthen the role of SEL in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4.7 with a focus on K12 learners and teachers.
• In collaboration with Associate National Project officer and other team members support the analysis of research data and demonstrate willingness to develop advanced analytical skills.
• Demonstrate statistical knowledge and data analysis proficiency using tools such as R Python or similar programming languages.
• Assist in designing and implementing online experimental and assessment tasks using platforms such as Pavlovia and related tools.
• Work with digital pedagogy specialists to support the development of SEL programmes assessment dashboards and related tools on MGIEPs digital learning platform.
• Assist in designing a detailed implementation process to develop protocols to collect and analyse data including supporting in-field data collection from schools and other educational institutions.
• Assist in the design and coordination of cross-country pilot research studies to test the efficacy of SEL programmes and tools and generate evidence to inform policy and programme implementation.
• Carry out any other task assigned by the supervisor.

• Research activities and project implementation are effectively coordinated ensuring timely delivery of technical inputs adherence to timelines and alignment with SDG 4.7-related programme objectives.
• Research evidence datasets implementation documents and project records are accurately maintained and organized to support programme planning reporting and knowledge generation.
• Program activities are supported through effective coordination accurate documentation and regular monitoring of progress deliverables and quality standards.
• Data collection coding analysis and reporting processes are conducted with accuracy methodological rigour and attention to detail contributing to reliable evidence for policy and programme implementation.
• Communication and coordination with internal teams consultants research collaborators schools educational institutions and external stakeholders are maintained effectively to support implementation follow-up and stakeholder engagement.
• Meetings workshops and field visits are efficiently organized and documented including preparation of minutes technical notes presentations and follow-up actions.
• The incumbent demonstrates continuous learning and professional growth in research methods statistics digital tools and emerging evidence related to SEL education and learning sciences.
• The quality accuracy and timeliness of the incumbents work contribute directly to the smooth implementation and credibility of research and programme activities.
• The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professionalism accountability discretion and collaboration within a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

The contract shall be for 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. There will be a probation period of 6 months.

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

  For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (equivalent to a Masters) in education psychology neuroscience/cognitive science statistics (with psychology major) or other education-related sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Up to 2 (two) years of research experience in education experimental psychology cognitive science assessment early childhood development or any field related to SDG 4.7.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Commitment to the Organizations mandate vision strategic direction and priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines paying close attention to detail and quality of work
• Integrity reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
• Ability to work as part of a team within a multicultural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Excellent IT skills in particular MS Office applications.
• Excellent coding skills in particular in R or Python.
• Basic statistical knowledge and skills

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Working Knowledge of Hindi.

EDUCATION

• PhD in education psychology neuroscience/cognitive science statistics (with psychology major) or other education-related sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Professional experience within an international environment or in the UN system academia governmental organization.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic Chinese French Russian Spanish) or regional Indian languages is desirable.

UNESCOs salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave reimbursement of medical insurance (up to 5% of base salary) pension plan (up to 10% of base salary) etc. The Starting Annual Salary for this position is INR2334091. The salary for service contracts is taxable and it is the responsibility of the contract holder to pay the taxes.

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 personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.