National Project Officer, Research and Development

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4INEDPA065GI

Grade: NO-C

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: New Delhi

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 03/05/2026

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

1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of India may apply for this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s first education- related category  1 institute in the Asia and the Pacific region towards the development and promotion of SDG 4.7. The Institute is a leader in the conceptualization, design, training, and assessment of social emotional learning (SEL) programs by drawing from research and seeks to translate robust, replicable scientific evidence towards new approaches to education for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall guidance of the Director and the direct supervision of the Senior National Project Officer of MGIEP, the National Project Officer (Research and Development) will serve as the primary program resource for research on SEL competencies, their translation into pedagogy, training design, and assessment using digital pedagogies and robust research design.

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:

Research

• Use a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate and build empirical evidence for the Cognitive Academic Social Emotional framework for the science of learning.
• Advise on the embedding, design, development, and implementation of social emotional learning and assessments using immersive digital tools.
• Design an evidence-based program to assess the impact of ‘dosage’ in developing SEL competencies in teachers.
• Translate research findings into policy-relevant peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to the development of annual work plans, align capacity building plans and objectives with the Institute's objectives and deliverables, and with UNESCO's relevant Main Line of Actions.

Long Description

Coordination and Monitoring

• Coordinate with other team members to ensure that evidence-based pilot implementation of UNESCO MGIEP SEL programs and competencies is showcased to UNESCO Institutes, Field Offices, Headquarters, and education ministries across member states.
• Monitor international conference announcements to showcase relevant MGIEP research for curriculum adoption and ensure timely communication with the supervisor and Directorate.
• Work closely with other research staff, directly implementing research projects. 
• Support the R and D mission head to monitor the progress of the research work within the team and ensure that research programs are implemented in line with goals, budgets, time frame, and quality standards.
• Design, develop, and manage deliverables for external vendors and consultants for the design and piloting of SEL assessments.

Long Description

Communication and Collaboration

• In collaboration with the communications team, develop materials to communicate MGIEP’s SEL research evidence to different stakeholders.
• Support other missions in the Institute to develop robust research design and research publications.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in psychology, cognitive science, science of learning, neuroscience, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years of progressively response relevant experience in research program development and design.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent research design skills
• Excellent content knowledge of social emotional learning competencies, pedagogies, and assessment.
• Established track record for research publications.
• Strong communication skills, including technical communication, both writing and oral. Knowledge of infographics would be an added advantage.

LANGUAGES

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• PhD in psychology, cognitive science, science of learning, neuroscience, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience of research program design and development

Long Description

LANGUAGES

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

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 INR 4926329 subject to deduction of pension, insurance, etc.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

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 checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s 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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s 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: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.