The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has opened applications for Junior Research Consultant roles for the Global Education Monitoring Report from qualified candidates to contribute to its mission of advancing quality education worldwide.
The opportunity is closely linked to the work of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, an editorially independent and authoritative annual publication that tracks global progress in education under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 2001 as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report, the GEM Report was strengthened by the mandate agreed at the World Education Forum in Incheon in 2015. This mandate commits the report to monitoring and reporting on SDG 4 and education across the other SDGs, while also assessing how national and international strategies are being implemented and holding stakeholders accountable for their commitments.
Interested applicants are expected to possess a strong academic background relevant to the role. A Master’s degree or its equivalent in Education, Economics, or closely related fields is required, reflecting the technical depth needed to contribute meaningfully to high-level global research and policy outputs.
In addition to academic qualifications, applicants should have at least two years of professional experience in education research, economics, or related areas. This experience is essential for ensuring that consultants can contribute credible, well-grounded analysis to the GEM Report’s global, regional, and country-level products.
UNESCO also places strong emphasis on core professional competencies. These include professionalism, accountability, effective communication, innovation, teamwork, results orientation, strong planning and organising skills, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. These competencies align with UNESCO’s broader values and are critical for thriving in a collaborative, high-impact international environment.
Strong technical and professional skills are equally important. Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent drafting skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and policy-relevant content. Attention to detail is essential, particularly in adhering to the GEM Report Style Guide and maintaining consistency across complex research outputs.
The role demands the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure while communicating proactively about progress and any emerging constraints. Consultants are expected to work independently, often within tight timelines, while still maintaining responsiveness and reliability in meeting strict deadlines.
Experience in international and multicultural work environments is highly valued, as the GEM Report operates across diverse global contexts. Candidates should be comfortable conducting independent research using a wide range of sources, and should possess strong qualitative and quantitative research skills to support robust analysis.
A background in relevant policy research further strengthens an applicant’s profile, as the work of the GEM Report sits at the intersection of evidence, policy, and advocacy. Those who have previously contributed to policy-oriented studies or reports will be well-positioned to add value to the team.
Beyond the essential requirements, certain additional competencies are considered desirable. These include a solid understanding of key themes related to SDG 4, such as education and technology, leadership, equity, and quality, as well as broader knowledge of international education development challenges at both global and regional levels.
Candidates who have authored research publications in areas linked to SDG 4 and education bring added credibility and strength to their applications. Familiarity with statistical tools and spreadsheet software is also an advantage, as data analysis plays an important role in many aspects of the work.
Language skills are another important asset. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, given that all primary outputs are produced in English. However, strong drafting skills in additional UN languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian are considered a valuable advantage and can further enhance a candidate’s contribution to UNESCO’s global mandate.
Applicants are required to submit a complete application package in place of the Employment History Form. This package must be compiled and uploaded as a single PDF document and should include three key components: an updated curriculum vitae, a concise technical proposal (1–2 pages) outlining the applicant’s approach and methodology for delivering the assignment, and a financial proposal stating the monthly fee for the consultancy, quoted in US dollars, British pounds (GBP), or euros. Only applications that include all required documents in one complete PDF file will be considered.
Applications close on February 28, 2026.
For more information, please visit https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-Junior-research-consultants-for-the-Global-Education-Monitoring-Report-%28multiple-positions%29/1349062557/
