Associate Project Officer - Data Analytics

Associate Project Officer - Data Analytics (re-advertised)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: New Delhi

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : SC9 

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight India Time): 20 May 2025 (extended)

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

Duration of Contract is one (1) year, with the possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for this position.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent will be responsible for analysing data on how social and emotional learning (SEL) can cultivate and promote global citizenship, sustainable development, and peace through the use of advanced statistical methods, data mining & visualization techniques. In addition to advanced analytical skills, this candidate must also be proficient at integrating and preparing large datasets, architecting specialized databases, constructing mathematical models for policy research, conducting complex regression analyses, working in high-performance computing environments, and communicating scientific results efficiently.

The candidate will be required to work in trans-disciplinary teams that include neuroscientists, psychologists, game developers, mobile app developers, project/program managers, and other IT personnel, to turn data into critical information that can be useful for the Institute. The candidate must be a creative thinker, and find innovative solutions to problems through the information available. The candidate will need to validate their findings and present back findings to the relevant stakeholders.

Long Description

The incumbent will be responsible for analysing data on how social and emotional learning (SEL) can cultivate and promote global citizenship, sustainable development, and peace through the use of advanced statistical methods, data mining & visualization techniques. In addition to advanced analytical skills, this candidate must also be proficient at integrating and preparing large datasets, architecting specialized databases, constructing mathematical models for policy research, conducting complex regression analyses, working in high-performance computing environments, and communicating scientific results efficiently.

The candidate will be required to work in trans-disciplinary teams which include neuroscientists, psychologists, game developers, mobile app developers, project/program managers, and other IT personnel, to turn data into critical information that can be useful for the Institute. The candidate must be a creative thinker and find innovative solutions to problems through the information available. The candidate will need to validate their findings and present back findings to the relevant stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Long Description

Impact Evaluation

• Conduct relevant background research and develop data-analysis plans for assessment of pilot and large-scale SEL interventions.
• Develop and validate assessment measures for research studies.
• Analyse data from pilot and large-scale research studies to test the efficacy of SEL interventions.

Mathematical Modelling

• Utilize empirical educational data to develop and test mathematical models, ensuring they reliably represent real-world scenarios and adjusting them as necessary for improved precision.
• Analyze and interpret model results to inform educational strategies and policies

Long Description

Scientific Communication

• Communicate scientific results to high-impact journals and conferences.
• Disseminate research findings to members of the capacity-building team for design of evidence-based implementation programs.
• Support the research team to contextualize findings in different cultural environment(s).
• Support any other institute-wide activities as and when they arise.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education Qualification:

• An advanced university degree equivalent to a Master’s) in statistics from a reputable university.
• Completed coursework/certificate/modules in basic and advanced statistical analysis related to psychometrics (techniques such as PCA, factor analysis, and IRT) and assessment of educational interventions (techniques such as GLMs, nonlinear regression models, multilevel modeling, SEM, causal inference, and longitudinal analysis) at master’s level. In support of this requirement, please insert images of the course and grades achieved in statistical analysis highlighted in the work experience in the employment history form.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of work experience in one of the areas of focus (psychometrics or quantitative analysis of large-scale educational interventions, or time series analysis)
• Experience in at least two of the following: mathematical modelling, machine learning, simulation techniques, and linear and non-linear regression programming.
• Proficiency in one or more data analysis software: R/Python. You may provide a link to your GitHub repository containing the code and analysis techniques you have developed in the employment history form.

Position-related Skills/Competencies:

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

• High level of organization skills and attention to detail
• Well-developed writing skills, communication skills, and creativity
• Adaptability and commitment to team-playing

Languages:

•    Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

•    Working Knowledge of Hindi

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s 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 monthly base salary of SC9 is INR 1,81,662 (Negotiable).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• Experience in psychometrics as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publication.
• Experience in conducting research studies in the education sector.
• Experience in publication-quality analysis and writing competencies through one or more international peer-reviewed journal publications (s). We will not consider blog articles or self-published reports.
• Experience in presenting at high-profile international conferences.
• Experience in dissemination of scientific results to non-technical audiences, especially through the use of infographics and other graphical materials.

Languages:

• Working knowledge of another UNESCO language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish).

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.