About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’ lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
UNICEF is committed to promoting every child’s right to education and to building a diverse workforce that supports children worldwide.
Job Overview
The Research Specialist (Education) will coordinate research activities across ongoing projects such as Data Must Speak (DMS), Women in Learning Leadership (WiLL), and Teachers for All, and contribute to the design and development of new initiatives in the field of education.
The role includes conducting mixed‑methods research, with a strong emphasis on qualitative approaches, generating nuanced insights into education systems, policies, and outcomes.
The incumbent will guide UNICEF Country Offices in education research, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s global priorities and convening partners to strengthen evidence generation and policy influence.
Responsibilities

Coordinate research activities across major UNICEF Innocenti education projects.
Design, implement, and report mixed‑methods research studies, including qualitative analysis using NVivo, Atlas.ti, or similar tools.
Engage with UNICEF Country Offices and partners to ensure research coherence with global priorities.
Translate evidence into policy dialogue, programme development, and decision‑making with governments, CSOs, academia, and partners.
Manage research project planning, costing, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and partner engagement.
Support the development and dissemination of high‑quality research outputs, policy briefs, and publications.

Qualifications

Master’s or equivalent degree in Education, Economics (Soc.Sci), Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or related fields.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in education research, program development, evidence generation, or related fields.
Strong understanding of global development challenges and inter‑sectoral collaboration.
Expertise in education policy and global engagement strategies applying equity, human rights, gender, and inclusion perspectives.
Proven ability to design, implement, and report mixed‑methods research, with qualitative analysis skills in NVivo or Atlas.ti.
Experience conducting field research and primary data collection with rigorous quality assurance and ethical standards.
Fluency in English and French; additional language skills are a plus.

Desirable

Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language.
Record of producing and disseminating high‑quality research outputs and policy briefs.
Experience in quality‑assuring research publications.
Experience working in the UN or other international development organisations.
Relevant experience at country level, particularly in fragile or humanitarian contexts.

Core Values and Competencies
UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do. Key competencies for this role include:

Builds and maintains partnerships
Demonstrates self‑awareness and ethical awareness
Drive to achieve results for impact
Innovates and embraces change
Manages ambiguity and complexity
Think and act strategically
Works collaboratively with others

EEO Statement
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status. We offer a wide range of benefits and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Important Application Information
Please submit your application only via the official UNICEF Careers website. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be considered.

Application and Interview Preparation: Book a session to receive tailored guidance.
For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process, details will be provided via the official portal.

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