Senior Statistical Assistant - Education Standards & Methodologies
OVERVIEW
Post Number : [[positionNumber]]
Grade : G-6
Parent Sector : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Duty Station: Montreal
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-Nov-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
BACKGROUND
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), established in 1999, is UNESCO’s statistical agency for 193 member states and 12 associated members. UIS provides internationally comparable data in education, science, culture, and communication and information. Its work is guided by three pillars: Standards and Methodologies, Data Production, and Brokering and Outreach.
UIS’ 2022–2029 Medium-Term Strategy aims to ensure policymaking is based on reliable statistics, helping countries track progress toward national and global goals and learn from global experience. UIS supports key initiatives, including the UN Transforming Education Summit, the Global Education Cooperation Mechanism (GCM), G7, G20, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). It collaborates with partners such as UNICEF, World Bank, OECD, and GEMR on emerging priorities, including national education responses to COVID-19. UIS and GEMR have established an SDG 4 benchmarking process and help countries set and monitor targets for 2025 and 2030.
Long Description
PURPOSE
The position of Senior Statistical Assistant is located within the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), the official statistical agency of UNESCO. The UIS plays a key role in supporting global, regional, and national efforts to monitor progress toward education-related development goals, including Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), through the production and dissemination of cross-nationally comparable statistics.
The Senior Statistical Assistant reports to a Project Officer/Specialist, Unit Head, or Section Head, depending on the team structure, and works within a multi-functional team comprising statisticians, project officers/specialists, and thematic experts. The team contributes to the core mandate of the UIS by supporting Member States in data production, validation, and use, with a focus on the Institute’s three strategic pillars: standards and methodologies, data production, and brokerage and outreach.
The role includes regular communication with national statistical offices and ministries of education, coordination with internal survey and indicator development teams, and contributions to technical documentation, process improvement, and knowledge management. The position requires a strong attention to detail, adherence to statistical standards, and a commitment to ensuring the accuracy and usability of UIS data by global, regional, and national stakeholders.
Long Description
MAIN TASKS & RESPONSILITIES
Within delegated authority, the Senior Statistical Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
• Compile, clean, validate, and process statistical data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain statistical series, indicators, databases, and metadata in line with UIS methodologies and international standards.
• Produce analytical outputs (charts, tables, dashboards) and prepare customized datasets to support reporting and decision-making.
• Respond to data requests and liaise with Member States and UN system organizations to gather and share information.
• Contribute to technical documentation, guidelines, and capacity-building materials to support data use and dissemination.
• Collaborate with colleagues across units to improve data workflows and perform other related duties as required.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
• Completion of secondary, technical or vocational education is required.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in data processing, statistical analysis, or database management.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to draft clear documentation, technical notes, and correspondence.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- High degree of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive data.
- Strong client orientation and responsiveness to requests from both internal and external partners.
LANGUAGES
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- University degree or advanced university degree in data science, analytics, statistics or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Experience in an international or multicultural context.
LANGUAGES
- Knowledge of French or another official UNESCO language (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s 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 55,741 CAD. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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.
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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. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.