Associate Project Officer (Learning Assessments)

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the global leader in providing comparable data on education, science, culture, and communication. Within the education sector, UIS is instrumental in monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), supplying essential data and evidence to inform global education policies and priorities. As the volume of learning assessment data grows, UIS is modernizing its systems and methodologies to enhance the quality and accessibility of global education indicators.

Job Purpose

The Associate Project Officer (Learning Assessment) is crucial in supporting UIS's efforts to manage, validate, and report on learning outcomes data. This role involves coordinating activities across various countries, partner organizations, and internal UIS units. The incumbent will contribute to data management, research, project implementation, and knowledge sharing. By ensuring effective management of information, processes, and partnerships, this position directly supports the generation of reliable evidence for monitoring global learning outcomes and promoting equitable, quality education for all. The role operates within a dynamic, collaborative international team environment.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of the learning assessment work program, including the production of the global learning indicator (SDG 4.1.1), applying data eligibility criteria, and managing related technical workflows. Assist in tracking workplans, deliverables, and milestones, coordinating with internal teams and external partners. Maintain comprehensive documentation of program processes, decisions, and technical guidance. Support the management of learning assessment datasets and databases, including data ingestion, validation, version control, metadata documentation, and harmonization. Contribute to data quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy and credibility of reporting. Provide analytical support for indicator production, including data preparation and computation. Conduct background research on learning assessment systems and methodologies. Support day-to-day project management, including progress updates and internal reporting. Assist with procurement and administrative coordination of project activities. Support the preparation of training materials and technical guidance for countries, and help organize workshops and expert meetings. Maintain knowledge management systems and prepare materials for international meetings. Compile and analyze background information for potential partnerships and funding opportunities.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of experience in data management, research, or program/project support is required. Demonstrated experience in database management, data processing, and supporting multi-component projects is essential. Experience with education data or learning assessment, and working with international datasets, is desirable.

Skills

Solid understanding of education and assessment concepts, statistical methods, data processing workflows, and database management principles. Ability to synthesize research and technical information into clear documentation. Capacity to support multiple work streams concurrently, including workplan tracking and task coordination. Strong written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to draft technical and operational documents.

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