Statistical Assistant
Organizational Context
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), established in 1999, is UNESCO's statistical arm, serving 193 Member States. It produces cross-nationally comparable data for global, regional, and development agendas in education, science, technology, innovation, culture, and communication. The UIS's strategy focuses on standards, data production, and outreach to ensure evidence-based policymaking and progress benchmarking. The Administrative Data Unit (ADU) supports this by processing, validating, and consolidating statistical data and metadata.
Job Purpose
The Statistical Assistant, under the Director's authority and direct supervision, performs standard technical and procedural tasks to support the collection, processing, validation, and dissemination of UIS statistics. This role is crucial for the specialized staff in delivering the Institute's statistical program. The incumbent will process data for assigned countries, datasets, or questionnaires, applying established procedures, checklists, and validation routines to produce standard statistical outputs. Complex cases outside established procedures will be referred to senior staff. Key results include accurate and timely data processing, consistent application of UIS procedures, and reliable statistical outputs for publications and dissemination services, ensuring effective service to data providers and users.
Responsibilities
Compile, enter, sort, and update statistical data from Member States and external sources using established procedures. Monitor reporting status, issue reminders, and maintain contact records. Apply international classifications like ISCED for data organization and coding. Run scripts, queries, and validation routines, documenting results. Refer complex issues to supervisors. Conduct consistency, completeness, and credibility checks, correcting errors within delegated authority. Calculate indicators using statistical software and apply imputation rules for missing data. Prepare statistical tables, charts, and data extracts for publications and the website. Perform quality assurance checks on data releases and update metadata. Respond to routine data requests and proofread statistical material. Consolidate and organize data and metadata in UIS database systems. Execute test cases for data collection instruments and processing systems, reporting defects. Maintain procedural documentation and adhere to data access and confidentiality rules. Prepare materials for meetings and provide procedural guidance to respondents. Support the induction of interns and trainees on routine tasks.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in compiling, processing, and presenting statistical data is required. Experience using statistical software and databases for routine data preparation is also necessary. Experience preparing supporting materials for meetings or onboarding new team members is desirable.
Skills
Working knowledge of statistical or programming environments (Python, R, SQL, Stata) for data preparation, including running and interpreting scripts. Advanced spreadsheet skills with macros and dynamic tables. Familiarity with UIS data collection and processing applications, or ability to acquire them quickly. Understanding of data visualization tools, metadata practices, and version control. Ability to verify AI-assisted tool outputs against source data. Accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills to meet deadlines. Client orientation and ability to work in a multicultural team.