Senior Statistical Assistant (Foresight, Research and Methodology)

The Senior Statistical Assistant supports the UNESCO Institute for Statistics Foresight, Research and Innovation Section by managing data, documentation, and daily processes related to SDG 4 coordination, foresight, and methodological development. This role ensures data integrity, knowledge management, and smooth operational support to enable analytical and methodological work to progress effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the Section's work programme, including SDG 4 coordination, strategic foresight, and methodological development.
• Track workplans, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams.
• Maintain structured tracking tools (e.g., task lists, document logs, input matrices).
• Support coordination of inputs from internal teams and external partners.
• Compile, clean, validate, and update datasets related to SDG 4 indicators and analytical work.
• Maintain databases, indicator series, and metadata, ensuring consistency and version control.
• Prepare datasets for reporting, analysis, and dissemination.
• Document and archive datasets and related materials.
• Conduct structured background research supporting foresight exercises, methodological development, and SDG 4 reporting.
• Compile and synthesize information into briefing notes, tables, charts, and summaries.
• Support preparation of analytical inputs for reports and presentations.
• Maintain organized repositories of technical documents, guidance materials, and meeting records.
• Ensure version control and accessibility of documents.
• Support drafting and formatting of technical notes, guidance documents, and meeting summaries.
• Support preparation and organization of technical meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Assist with agenda preparation, compilation of background documents, and follow-up on action points.
• Facilitate communication with partners and Member States (logistical and documentation support).
• Provide logistical and administrative support for missions, workshops, and contracts.
• Support procurement and coordination processes as required.
• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the team.

Requirements

• Completed secondary education, or technical or vocational schooling.
• At least eight (8) years of relevant experience in data processing, database management or programme support, including demonstrated experience supporting projects with several moving parts and organizing meetings and logistics.
• Proficiency with statistical software (for example R or Stata) and advanced spreadsheet functions.
• Experience maintaining databases, datasets and metadata, with strong attention to accuracy and version control.
• Experience using document or knowledge-management systems and documenting processes.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to track tasks and manage several workstreams and deadlines at once.
• Clear writing, able to produce technical notes and documentation.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Post-secondary training in one or more of: statistics or data management; education, social sciences or development studies; or administration, project management or information management (desirable).
• Experience in an international organization or in projects spanning several countries (desirable).
• Exposure to education data or to work related to the Sustainable Development Goals (desirable).
• Working knowledge of French, or of another official language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) (desirable).

Skills

• Data Processing
• Database Management
• Programme Support
• Meeting Organization
• Logistics Coordination
• Statistical Software Stata
• STATA
• Advanced Spreadsheet Functions
• Database Maintenance
• Metadata Management
• Version Control Systems
• Document Management
• Knowledge Management
• Process Documentation
• Task Tracking
• Workstream Management
• Technical Writing
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English