This list contains only the countries for which job offers have been published in the selected language (e.g., in the French version, only job offers written in French are displayed, and in the English version, only those in English).
The position is with UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) in Montreal. The incumbent, as Head of the Standards and Data Integration Unit, will lead and coordinate the development and implementation of international statistical standards and data integration frameworks, including the use of modern data architectures, statistical software, and AI-driven approaches to improve data quality, timeliness, and usability.
Job Responsibility
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the unit's work plan, ensuring alignment with Education's Section strategic priorities
Contribute to the development of statistical processes ensuring efficiency and quality with a system of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and clear-cut defined workflows for the production and update of the indicators under the Education Section's responsibility
Take responsibility for the development, revision, and implementation of international statistical standards, classifications, and methodologies
Contribute to the development and application of frameworks such as the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
Contribute to documents that support the work of governance mechanisms including the Education Data and Statistics Commission (EDSC) on the Indicators for SDG 4-Education 2030 (EDSC) and the Inter-agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) as needed
Design and implement frameworks for integrating multi-source data (administrative, survey, assessment, and alternative data sources)
Promote and operationalize interoperability standards (e.g. SDMX, APIs, data exchange protocols)
Lead initiatives to harmonize datasets across domains and countries
Support the development of scalable data architectures (i.e data lakes, warehouses, cloud-based systems)
Contribute to the production of education indicators from household surveys and censuses, ensuring methodological rigor and comparability
Oversee the integration of survey-based and administrative data to strengthen coverage of participation, completion, and learning indicators
Contribute to the analysis of equity and socio-economic disparities in education, ensuring UIS reporting reflects inclusion and gender dimensions
Develop and maintain comprehensive metadata systems aligned with international standards
Establish and implement data quality assurance frameworks
Promote transparency, reproducibility, and documentation of statistical processes
Contribute to strengthen data governance practices, including data stewardship and compliance
Lead the integration of statistical software tools (e.g. R, Python, Stata, SQL-based systems) into data production workflows
Promote the use of AI and machine learning techniques for data validation and anomaly detection, data imputation and estimation, classification and coding of large datasets, natural language processing for metadata and document analysis
Ensure ethical and responsible use of AI in line with UNESCO principles
Contribute to methodological development and reporting of SDG 4 indicators
Support Member States in implementing standards and reporting mechanisms
Prepare technical reports, analytical papers, and policy briefs as needed
Design and deliver capacity-building programmes on standards, data integration, and advanced analytics
Develop guidance materials, toolkits, and training modules
Provide direct technical assistance to Member's and regional organizations
Facilitate knowledge sharing and communities of practice
Represent the UIS in international, regional, and inter-agency forums and expert groups
Collaborate with international partners (e.g. Eurostat, OECD, UNSD)
Build and maintain partnerships with national statistical offices, UN agencies, and research institutions
Set clear expectations for staff
Engage in continuous performance dialogue
Develop and support staff
Requirements
Advanced university degree (Master's) in statistics, data science, economics, or a related field with a substantial applied statistics / data sciences component
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in official statistics, data systems, or related fields
Developing statistical standards and classifications
Managing large datasets integration and interoperability
Extensive use of statistical software and data platforms
Proven expertise in statistical framework, standards, methods and tools
Proven expertise in statistical production processes and procedures, including data quality assurance standards and procedures
Strong analytical skills for interpreting data and informed policymaking
Ability to design long term plans and programs in line with strategic priorities
Ability to manage an effective and collaborative team in a multicultural environment
Excellent communication skills
Strong knowledge of international statistical standards (e.g. SDMX)
Proficiency in statistical software (R, Python, Stata) and data management tools (SQL, data warehousing solutions)
Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms and APIs
Demonstrated experience with AI/ML applications in statistics or data science
Excellent knowledge of English (verbal and written)
Good knowledge of French (verbal and written)
Nice to have
Experience in a National Statistical Office, an international organization or UN system is desirable
Knowledge of SDG monitoring frameworks is an asset