Associate Project Officer- Research

The Associate Project Officer (Research) will support the design, development and implementation of research programmes related to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for learning and the cultivation of social and emotional competencies for peace and sustainability, focusing on early childhood and novel SEL assessment approaches. The role involves research design, data analysis, coordination of pilot studies, and collaboration with digital pedagogy specialists to advance SDG 4.7.

Responsibilities

• Review and synthesize the latest research and evidence across programme domains related to SEL, early childhood, education, global citizenship, peace and sustainable development.
• Contribute to the design of research studies that strengthen the role of SEL in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, with a focus on K–12 learners and teachers.
• Support the analysis of research data and develop advanced analytical skills.
• Demonstrate statistical knowledge and data analysis proficiency using tools such as R, Python or similar programming languages.
• Assist in designing and implementing online experimental and assessment tasks using platforms such as Pavlovia and related tools.
• Work with digital pedagogy specialists to support the development of SEL programmes, assessment dashboards and related tools on MGIEP’s digital learning platform.
• Assist in designing a detailed implementation process to develop protocols to collect and analyse data, including supporting in-field data collection from schools and other educational institutions.
• Assist in the design and coordination of cross-country pilot research studies to test the efficacy of SEL programmes and tools and generate evidence to inform policy and programme implementation.
• Carry out any other task assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in education, psychology, neuroscience/cognitive science, statistics (with psychology major) or other education-related sciences.
• Up to 2 (two) years of research experience in education, experimental psychology, cognitive science, assessment, early childhood development, or any field related to SDG 4.7.
• Commitment to the Organization's mandate, vision, strategic direction, and priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Integrity, reliability, and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
• Ability to work as part of a team within a multicultural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Excellent IT skills, in particular, MS Office applications.
• Excellent coding skills, in particular, in R or Python.
• Basic statistical knowledge and skills.
• PhD in education, psychology, neuroscience/cognitive science, statistics (with psychology major) or other education-related sciences (desirable).
• Professional experience within an international environment or in the UN system, academia, governmental organization (desirable).
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (desirable).
• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages is desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Working Knowledge of Hindi.

Skills

• Research Design
• Data Analysis
• Social-Emotional Learning
• Early Childhood Development
• Experimental Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Statistical Knowledge
• R Programming
• Python Programming
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Pilot Study Coordination
• Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
• Education Research
• Assessment Development
• Digital Pedagogy Collaboration

Languages

English, Hindi