Project Officer (Strategic Foresight, Research and Country Insights)

The Project Officer supports the implementation of the UIS strategic foresight and research programme through analytical, research and coordination activities. The role involves horizon scanning, applied research, country data ecosystem analysis and SDG 4 monitoring initiatives to generate evidence and insights supporting programme development, indicator innovation, country engagement and policy dialogue.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and maintenance of horizon-scanning briefs, trend analyses and strategic intelligence notes on emerging developments that may influence education, science, culture and communication statistics.
• Produce foresight products, including background papers, scenario analyses and strategic intelligence reports, in support of UIS institutional planning and policy dialogue.
• Identify emerging data needs, strategic risks, opportunities and measurement gaps relevant to UIS programmes.
• Conduct research on priority themes related to future measurement agendas, including well-being, digital transformation, climate change, skills development, education quality, equity and lifelong learning.
• Apply established analytical frameworks to assess relationships between policy priorities, data systems and statistical indicators, and provide technical inputs for their refinement.
• Prepare technical papers, literature reviews, policy briefs and discussion documents for UIS management, Member States and international partners.
• Support research activities underpinning post-2030 education and development monitoring discussions.
• Manage, maintain and quality-assure the databases and analytical tools supporting national SDG 4 benchmark monitoring and country data ecosystem analysis, including LASER and related tools.
• Produce analytical reports, briefing materials and evidence products to support programme implementation, regional and country engagement, and policy dialogue.
• Strengthen the alignment between national priorities and global monitoring frameworks through comparative and country-level analysis.
• Support technical reviews of SDG monitoring frameworks and related indicator systems.
• Undertake technical analysis, testing and documentation of proposed indicators and measurement approaches, under the guidance of senior technical staff.
• Contribute to methodological reviews and exploratory work on innovative approaches to data production, integration and use.
• Prepare technical documentation and supporting materials for expert groups and international meetings.
• Maintain databases and repositories of foresight, research and policy resources.
• Coordinate technical inputs from UIS programmes and external partners, and support consultations with UNESCO sectors, Member States, research institutions and development partners.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing activities and internal capacity-building related to foresight and anticipatory approaches.
• Provide support to the implementation of the work programme of the Foresight, Research and Methodology Section; participate in relevant UIS activities and undertake other duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of programme objectives.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, economics, data science, public policy, education, development studies or a related field, with a strong quantitative, statistical, data management or analytical component.
• Minimum four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, programme implementation or international development, of which at least two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Experience conducting analytical research and preparing evidence-based reports for policy or management audiences.
• Experience undertaking strategic foresight, horizon scanning, trend analysis, policy intelligence or related analytical activities.
• Experience managing, maintaining or analysing statistical databases and large datasets, including the use of statistical and data management software such as Python, SQL, R, Stata or equivalent analytical tools.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical information for policy audiences.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outputs within established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments and to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Good project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in standard office and analytical software.
• Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
• Specialization in strategic foresight, futures studies, public policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, or development research (desirable).
• Additional training in quantitative analysis, statistics, data science or scenario-planning methodologies (desirable).
• Experience supporting programme implementation in an international organization, government agency, research institution or similar setting (desirable).
• Experience relating to education statistics, SDG monitoring or international development indicators (desirable).
• Knowledge of futures studies methodologies and scenario development techniques (desirable).
• Experience working with national statistical systems, ministries or international organizations (desirable).
• Experience coordinating activities involving multiple stakeholders and partners (desirable).
• Familiarity with SDG monitoring frameworks and international statistical systems (desirable).
• Knowledge of foresight methodologies and anticipatory governance approaches (desirable).
• Knowledge of education-sector data systems and policy processes (desirable).
• Experience supporting international consultations and expert groups (desirable).
• Working knowledge of French (oral and written) (desirable).

Skills

• Statistical Analysis
• Data Management
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Research
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Strategic Foresight
• Horizon Scanning
• Trend Identification
• Policy Intelligence
• Statistical Databases Management
• Python
• SQL
• STATA
• Report Writing
• Project Coordination
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Office Applications
• Analytical Software

Languages

English, French