Research, Mapping and Analysis Associate
Organizational Context
UNESCO, a UN agency, aims to foster peace through international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture, contributing to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. Its Regional Office in Bangkok serves as a hub for Asia and the Pacific, focusing on SDG 4 and implementing programmes across various sectors. The office is actively exploring local financing ecosystems to support sustainable development and quality education, particularly in Thailand.
Job Purpose
This assignment supports UNESCO Bangkok's initiative to understand local financing ecosystems and models that bolster sustainable development, quality education, and SDG localization in Thailand. The UN Volunteer will map and analyze financing mechanisms available to local governments and stakeholders, focusing on approaches that enhance equitable access to education and lifelong learning. The findings will inform UNESCO's programmes, partnerships, research, and advocacy, providing an evidence base for identifying opportunities and challenges in local financing. The role contributes to fostering inclusive, resilient communities through evidence-based policymaking and increased investment in education and local development.
Responsibilities
Under the Chief of Education Section's supervision, the UN Volunteer will conduct a desk review of literature on local and education financing in Thailand. This includes mapping key financing models and instruments used by local governments, such as public finance, fiscal transfers, and public-private partnerships. The role involves collecting and compiling quantitative and qualitative data, and developing a database of financing mechanisms. The volunteer will assess how these mechanisms support education priorities like equitable access and lifelong learning, and analyze trends, opportunities, and challenges in the local financing landscape. Identifying promising practices and contributing to an analytical report with recommendations are also key tasks. Regular progress updates and participation in team meetings are expected.
Work Experience
While no prior experience is strictly required, demonstrated interest or experience in public finance, local governance, education financing, policy research, socio-economic analysis, or data collection and analysis is highly desirable. Experience in conducting literature reviews, policy analysis, report writing, and engaging with diverse stakeholders is beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is also a plus.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, motivation, communication, ethics, integrity, knowledge sharing, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, and teamwork. Technical skills in literature review, policy analysis, research methodology, evidence synthesis, data collection and management, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and report writing are essential for this role.