The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is currently inviting applications for Junior Research Consultants to support the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report. This opportunity is open to external candidates and will be carried out remotely, making it accessible to professionals from different parts of the world.
The application deadline for this position is 14 March 2026.
About the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report
The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report is a respected international report that tracks global progress toward education goals. It focuses on monitoring Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all.
The report was originally launched in 2001 and continues to provide research and policy recommendations that help governments and organizations improve education systems worldwide.
Each edition of the GEM Report explores global education progress and specific themes such as inclusion, technology, leadership, and migration. Upcoming editions will focus on education access, equity, and learning quality as part of the global effort toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Contract Details
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Position: Junior Research Consultant
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Organization: UNESCO
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Sector: Education
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Contract Type: Affiliated personnel (consultancy)
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Location: Remote / Multiple locations
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Duration: 7 to 11 months
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Application Deadline: 14 March 2026
Interested candidates should apply through the UNESCO Careers website before March 14, 2026.
Role and Responsibilities
Selected consultants will contribute to the research and production of the GEM Report and related publications. They will work closely with the GEM research team, including education policy specialists and regional report coordinators.
Key responsibilities include:
Research and Report Writing
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Conduct literature reviews and research analysis
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Draft case studies, sections, and policy content for global and regional reports
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Support advocacy and dissemination activities
Data Verification and Fact-Checking
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Review and verify report content for accuracy
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Ensure proper referencing and citation of sources
Country Profile Development
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Draft and update country profiles for the PEER education database
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Review profiles written by other contributors
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Support uploading and reviewing profiles on the platform
Consultants will also contribute to various report outputs including global, regional, and thematic publications.
Expected Work Outputs
During the consultancy period, selected candidates may be expected to complete tasks such as:
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Drafting 52 country profiles for the PEER website
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Reviewing 38 country profiles written by other authors
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Writing sections and case studies for global and regional reports
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Preparing analytical boxes or short research pieces for thematic publications
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Fact-checking several chapters of major education reports
These tasks will support the research and policy recommendations produced by the GEM Report team.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Education
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A Master’s degree in Education, Economics, or a related field
Work Experience
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At least two years of research experience in education, economics, or related areas
Key Skills
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Strong academic writing and drafting skills in English
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Ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research
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Attention to detail and strong analytical skills
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Ability to work independently and manage tight deadlines
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Experience working in multicultural or international environments
Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following qualifications will strengthen an application:
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Knowledge of global education policy and development issues
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Familiarity with SDG 4 education goals
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Experience in policy research or academic publications
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Knowledge of statistical or data analysis software
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Proficiency in another UN language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian
Application Process
Applicants must submit their documents as one single PDF file containing:
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Updated CV
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Technical Proposal (1–2 pages describing the proposed approach and methodology)
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Financial Proposal indicating the monthly consultancy fee in USD, GBP, or Euros
All documents must be submitted in English through the UNESCO careers website.
UNESCO evaluates candidates primarily based on the technical quality of their proposal, followed by the best value for money.
