Senior Statistical Assistant @UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced a vacancy for the position of Senior Statistical Assistant (Foresight, Research and Methodology) within its Institute for Statistics (UIS), based in Montreal, Canada. The role forms part of the organisation’s efforts to strengthen global education data systems and support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) monitoring.

The position is offered as a one-year project appointment, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance. Applications must be submitted by 8 July 2026 (midnight Paris time).

Critical Role in Global Education Data Systems

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics serves as the official global authority for comparable data in education, science, culture, and communication. It also acts as the custodian agency for SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education worldwide.

Within UIS, the Foresight, Research and Innovation (FRM) Section leads advanced methodological work, data coordination, and strategic forecasting. The Senior Statistical Assistant role is described as a core operational function that supports the integrity and continuity of this work.

The position ensures that complex data systems, documentation workflows, and coordination processes remain accurate, consistent, and operationally efficient.

Also check UNESCO Highlights More Than 450 Fellowship Opportunities for Students, Researchers, and Young Professionals Worldwide

Core Responsibilities of the Position

The Senior Statistical Assistant will provide essential technical and administrative support across multiple workstreams. The role is structured around three key functional areas:

Programme and Workstream Support

The incumbent will:

• Track and maintain multiple workplans and deliverables.
• Support coordination across internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain structured tracking tools such as task lists and document logs.
• Assist in organizing multi-stakeholder inputs for SDG 4-related initiatives.

Also check UNESCO 2026 Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme

Data and Database Management

Responsibilities include:

• Compiling, cleaning, validating, and updating SDG 4 datasets.
• Maintaining databases, metadata, and indicator series with version control.
• Preparing datasets for reporting and analysis.
• Ensuring proper documentation and archiving of statistical materials.

Research and Analytical Support

The role involves:

• Conducting background research for methodological and foresight work.
• Preparing briefing notes, summaries, tables, and charts.
• Supporting analytical inputs for reports and presentations.

Knowledge Management and Documentation

Additional duties include:

• Maintaining structured repositories of technical documentation.
• Ensuring version control and accessibility of records.
• Drafting and formatting technical notes and meeting summaries.

Coordination and Meeting Support

The role also includes:

• Organising technical meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Preparing agendas and supporting documentation.
• Following up on action points and stakeholder communications.

Administrative Support

The assistant will also support:

• Logistics for missions, workshops, and procurement processes.
• Day-to-day administrative operations of the FRM Section.

Also check UNESCO Associate Project Officer (Research) Position in India 

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Candidates applying for the position must meet the following requirements:

Education

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent technical/vocational training.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in data processing, database management, or programme support.
• Proven ability to manage multi-component projects and coordinate multiple workflows.

Technical Skills

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in:

• Statistical tools such as R or Stata.
• Advanced spreadsheet functions (e.g., Excel).
• Database management and metadata documentation.
• Knowledge management systems and documentation workflows.
• Strong organizational and task-tracking systems.

Core Competencies

The role requires strong abilities in:

• Communication and technical writing.
• Planning and organisational management.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
• Collaboration across multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Results-oriented execution and accountability.

Language Requirements

• Excellent written and spoken English is required.

Desirable Qualifications

Additional advantages include:

• Post-secondary training in statistics, education, social sciences, development studies, or administration.
• Experience working in international organisations or multi-country projects.
• Familiarity with education data systems or Sustainable Development Goals.
• Working knowledge of French or another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish).

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive compensation package under UNESCO staff regulations.

Key benefits include:

• Annual salary starting at approximately CAD 58,962.
• 30 days of annual leave.
• Medical insurance coverage.
• Pension plan contributions.
• Family allowances (where applicable).

The role is based in Montreal, Canada, and is subject to UNESCO’s international employment policies.

Selection and Recruitment Process

The recruitment process may include multiple evaluation stages, including:

• Online application screening.
• Pre-recorded video interviews or written assessments.
• Panel interviews.
• Reference and background checks.

Shortlisted candidates may also be added to UNESCO talent pools, subject to consent.

UNESCO emphasises that all applications must be completed online and submitted before the deadline. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified.

Commitment to Diversity and Integrity

UNESCO has reaffirmed its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment. The organisation strongly encourages applications from under-represented countries, women, persons with disabilities, and members of minority and indigenous communities.

The agency also enforces strict ethical recruitment standards, including:

• Zero tolerance for harassment and misconduct.
• Strict confidentiality in candidate evaluation.
• No fees charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Compliance with international academic verification standards.

Strategic Importance of the Role

The Senior Statistical Assistant position plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in maintaining the integrity of global education data systems. By ensuring accurate data management, effective documentation, and coordinated workflows, the role directly supports UNESCO’s ability to monitor global progress toward SDG 4 and strengthen evidence-based policymaking worldwide.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.