Post title: Domain: Post Number: Grade: Organizational Unit: Primary Location: Recruitment open to: Type of contract: Annual Salary: Deadline (midnight, Paris time): Associate Project Officer Statistics/Learning Assessments 1CAUIS17PA P2 UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Education Indicators and Data Analysis (EIDA) Montreal, Canada Internal and External candidates Project Appointment US$72,429 12 November 2014 OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the direct supervision of the Section Head of EIDA, the incumbent shall carry out research and assist on projects and maintenance of professional networks, contribute to the implementation of the UIS Catalogue of Learning Assessments. The incumbent will: • Produce, review, validate and analyse data on learning assessments for countries participating in the Catalogue of Learning Assessments project. As the data are reported, assess data quality, provide feedback to focal points in countries and contribute to the adjudication of data and metadata. • Prepare catalogue entries and web-based country profiles. Consult with UIS staff, LO Advisory Board and other experts in order to finalise the output (e.g., catalogue entries and country profiles) templates in accordance with UIS standards. • Draft and apply a data capture framework for catalogue data in MS-Access. • Prepare a web-based dissemination strategy and platform for reporting results by liaising with other teams at UIS (e.g., Statistical Services and Technology Section) and external partners (e.g. IHSN, World Bank). • Maintain effective working relationships with national assessment officers, statisticians and assessment experts in Member States and correspond regularly to obtain or clarify information from national and international sources and reviewing other sources. • Assist in the organisation of regional meetings and training, prepare documentation and deliver presentations. • Train, manage and quality assure the work of research assistant(s) working on the Catalogue of Learning Assessments. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the fields of educational assessment, statistics or a closely related numeric discipline (such as demography, economics or mathematics) or social sciences with a substantial applied statistics component or equivalent professional qualification. WORK EXPERIENCE • At least 2-4 years of relevant professional experience in applied social statistics (preferably in the area of learning assessments) are required of which 1 year preferably at international level either within a UN or similar agency or in a Government Ministry or agency. SKILLS/COMPETENCIES • Ability to collect, synthesise and analyse statistical/learning assessment data and related information. • Knowledge of learning assessments including sampling, assessment data analysis and measurement methods. • Capacity to identify, develop and apply sound methodologies for data validation and problem solving. • Strong writing and communication skills in English. • Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, MS Outlook and advanced skills in MS Excel and MS Access. • Strong programming skills and familiarity with software packages for the management of large databases. • Excellent coordination, networking and interpersonal skills. • Accuracy and close attention to detail and quality of work, balanced by abilities to prioritize tasks and manage heavy workload. • Ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment and to work effectively in a team environment. LANGUAGES • Excellent knowledge of English or French. A very good knowledge of the other language is strongly desirable. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS WORK EXPERIENCE • Supervisory and management experience would be an asset. • Working in collaboration with partners or in developing countries would be an asset. SKILLS/COMPETENCIES • Knowledge of SQL and/or software such as NESSTAR and NADA would be an asset. LANGUAGES • Working knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish would be an asset. BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. More details on the ICSC Web site (http://icsc.un.org). Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a full CV (using the form at https://en.unesco.org/careers/project_appointments), showing nationality, date/place of birth and gender, a letter of motivation, and a list of three references, including at least one current or former direct supervisor, that may be contacted, to: [email protected], by 12 November 2014 (Midnight, Montreal time). Kindly use as email subject header: FAMILY NAME First Name PA0017 LO (e.g. SMITH Roberta PA0017 LO).