The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced a new opportunity for qualified Indian nationals to join its research team as an Associate Project Officer (Research) at the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in New Delhi, India.

The position offers an opportunity for early-career researchers to contribute to global education research initiatives focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), sustainable development, peace education, and innovative learning systems aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7.

Applications are open until 30 June 2026.

About UNESCO MGIEP

The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s Category 1 research institute in the Asia-Pacific region. The institute is dedicated to advancing SDG 4.7, which promotes education that fosters peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

MGIEP is internationally recognized for its work in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which focuses on developing competencies such as:

• Empathy

• Compassion

• Mindfulness

• Critical thinking

• Emotional intelligence

• Global citizenship

The institute works with educators, policymakers, researchers, and young people to strengthen learning outcomes and promote peaceful societies through evidence-based educational approaches.

Position Overview

The Associate Project Officer (Research) will support the design, development, and implementation of research programmes related to SEL and education for peace and sustainability.

Working under the supervision of the Senior National Project Officer (Research), the successful candidate will collaborate closely with research teams and programme staff to generate evidence that informs educational policy and practice.

The role focuses particularly on:

• Early childhood development

• Social and emotional learning research

• Educational assessment and measurement

• Learning sciences

• Cognitive and behavioural research

• Teacher capacity-building initiatives

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will contribute to a wide range of research and programme activities.

Research and Evidence Generation

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and synthesizing current research on SEL, education, and sustainable development

• Supporting the design of research studies aligned with SDG 4.7

• Assisting with data collection, coding, and analysis

• Contributing to evidence generation for policy and programme implementation

• Supporting cross-country pilot studies evaluating SEL programmes

Data Analysis and Technical Research Support

The role requires strong analytical skills and experience working with quantitative data.

Key tasks include:

• Conducting statistical analysis using R, Python, or similar programming languages

• Managing research datasets and documentation

• Supporting the development of innovative SEL assessment tools

• Assisting in experimental and online assessment design

• Working with digital learning and research platforms

Programme Implementation and Coordination

The officer will also help coordinate research activities and stakeholder engagement by:

• Organizing workshops, meetings, and field visits

• Supporting collaboration with schools and educational institutions

• Maintaining project records and implementation documentation

• Monitoring research progress and deliverables

• Preparing reports, technical notes, and presentations

Expected Outcomes

UNESCO expects the Associate Project Officer to contribute to the successful implementation of research initiatives by ensuring:

• Timely delivery of research outputs

• Accurate management of datasets and project records

• High-quality analysis and reporting

• Effective stakeholder engagement

• Continuous learning and professional development

The role also emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and collaboration within a multicultural environment.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific educational and professional criteria.

Required Education

Candidates must possess:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in:

Education
Psychology
Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Statistics (with psychology specialization)
Other education-related sciences

Required Experience

Applicants should have:

• Up to two years of research experience in:

Education
Experimental psychology
Cognitive science
Assessment and measurement
Early childhood development
Related SDG 4.7 fields

Required Skills

UNESCO is seeking candidates with strong technical and research capabilities, including:

• Excellent coding skills in R or Python

• Knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis

• Research design and methodology expertise

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English

• Working knowledge of Hindi

Additional knowledge of UNESCO official languages such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, UNESCO notes that the following qualifications are desirable:

• PhD in a relevant discipline

• Experience working in academia, government, international organizations, or the UN system

• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams

• Knowledge of regional Indian languages

Contract Duration and Benefits

The position is offered under a Service Contract (SC8) level.

Key employment details include:

• Duty Station: New Delhi, India

• Contract Duration: 12 months

• Possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability

• Six-month probation period

• On-site work arrangement

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive compensation package.

Benefits include:

• Starting annual salary of INR 23,34,091

• Up to 30 days annual leave

• Medical insurance reimbursement

• Pension plan contributions

• Professional development opportunities

• Exposure to international research networks

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications through UNESCO’s online careers platform before the deadline.

The recruitment process may include:

• Written assessments

• Pre-recorded video interviews

• Panel interviews

• Reference checks

Applicants are encouraged to provide complete and accurate information, as modifications cannot be made after submission.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (Midnight India Standard Time)

Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply for this position.

Advancing Education for Peace and Sustainable Development

The Associate Project Officer (Research) role provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to contribute to globally relevant education research and policy development. Through work on Social and Emotional Learning, educational innovation, and sustainable development, the successful candidate will support UNESCO’s mission of creating more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies through education.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. 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.

UNESCO is Seeking for an Associate Project Officer (Research) Position in India – Apply By 30 June 2026 @Unknown