Job Description

OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Duty Station: Montreal
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 23/09/2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background and objectives
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) plans to develop a practical, authoritative, and referenceable resource on education administrative data systems and their statistical use. This resource will be a modular handbook designed for enhanced usability and adaptability, allowing countries to adopt modules incrementally. The handbook aims to build on existing resources, including LASER, EMIS and ISCED), and provide countries and other stakeholders with a blueprint for action and insight in strengthening their education administrative data systems. The current plan of the modular series includes topics on legal frameworks and institutional setup on administrative data, higher education, technical and vocational education and training, early childhood care and education, and teachers.
UIS seeks to engage a Senior Expert Consultant to develop the module on Legal Framework and Institutional Setup regarding Education Administrative data.
Long Description
Main Responsibilities and Tasks
The Senior Expert Consultant is expected to carry out the research and draft the handbook module on the above topic. More specifically, the specific responsibilities of the expert consultant will include:

• Conducting background research and data analyses relevant to the module.
• Drafting comprehensive content for the module, including but not limited to:

o Overview of national education administrative data systems and statistical use.
o Legal and policy stipulations of the mandates on official statistics in general, and education data and statistics in particular
o Institutional setup of education data and statistics in particular administrative data, including roles and responsibilities of the departments/divisions of education data and statistics, management, oversight, staffing and funding.
Governance models including coordination with the national statistical office and other ministries and agencies involved in the production and dissemination of education data and statistics.
oChallenges in securing required legal and policy frameworks. Sample solutions.
oDevelopment of country case studies.
oDrafting of tools such as legal checklist, sample legislation, etc.

• Incorporating relevant international statistical standards and existing technical sources (e.g., ISCED, LASER, EMIS).
• Reviewing and incorporating feedback on drafts from the UIS team and other reviewers.
• Ensuring the module aligns with the overall objectives and structure of the handbook.
• Contributing to the development of annexes such as glossaries, templates, and references.

UIS plans to have the handbook modules ready for publishing in February 2026.
Long Description
Deliverables
The primary deliverables will be well-written and comprehensive modules as agreed upon with UIS, with the target publication date of Feb 2026. More specifically:
Deliverable 1 (1 month)

• Module outline, including case studies, tools and templates
• Module development plan, including milestones in view of the target publication date

Deliverable 2 (4 months)

• First draft of the module, including case studies, tools and templates (as appropriate)

Deliverable 3 (2 months)

• Final draft of the modules, incorporating feedback from UIS and other reviewers

4. Cost and technical arrangements
The total consultancy fee will be agreed upon in advance. Payments will be made upon acceptance of deliverables, as per the schedule below:
Deliverable 1: 20%
Deliverable 2: 50%
Deliverable 3: 30%
The consultant is responsible for ensuring the quality and timely delivery of all outputs, with no additional costs to UIS beyond the agreed contract amount. Two weeks following the final deliverable due date are added for the UIS to complete all required revisions and administrative procedures, if needed. This assignment will be carried out remotely. Communication will primarily be through email, video conferencing, and other virtual platforms. The Consultant is responsible for the cost of any expenses in connection with the contract.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in education, statistics, social sciences, public policy, or a related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated senior-level expertise in national statistical legislations and institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in developing practical guidance documents, handbooks, or similar resources.
• Strong understanding of international statistical standards and frameworks relevant to education data (e.g., ISCED 2011, SDG 4 indicators).

Language

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience

• Experience working with international organizations or government agencies on education data systems is highly desirable.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information: * A cover letter outlining the candidate's interest, qualifications, availability, and proposed consultancy fee;

• An updated CV
• Two samples of relevant work in education data and statistics, ideally related to the module.

Only the proposals that include all the four aforementioned elements will be considered. Failure to provide any of those will result in an incomplete application which will not be considered.
UNESCO places significant importance on achieving the objectives outlined in the Terms of Reference. Consequently, the evaluation of proposals will prioritize the technical components. From the proposals that meet the criteria specified in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO will select the one that provides the best value for money for the Organization.
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 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 ( ) 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.
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