Consultant Coordination Support for the Regional Household Survey Education Statistics Working Group (Santiago, Chile) contract Full Time

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station : Santiago

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 7 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−3 Time) : 25/02/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) coordinates the Regional Working Group on Education Statistics for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which brings together national statistical offices (NSOs), ministries of education, and regional partners to strengthen the production, comparability, and policy relevance of education statistics. A core focus of the Working Group is the use of household surveys and population censuses to support SDG 4 monitoring, with particular attention to non-formal education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and coverage gaps affecting Caribbean countries.

In this context, UIS seeks to recruit a consultant to support the technical coordination, data and metadata collection, and analytical outputs of the Working Group, in close alignment with ongoing collaboration between UIS and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

2. Objective of the Consultancy

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support UIS in the coordination and technical work of the Regional Working Group on Education Statistics for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), ensuring its effective functioning, coherence of outputs, and alignment with UIS standards and SDG 4 monitoring priorities. In particular, the consultancy will focus on:

• Actively assisting in the coordination and effective functioning of the Regional Working Group. This includes structured communication with members, organization and follow-up of meetings, facilitation of technical exchanges, documentation of discussions and decisions, and support to collaborative workflows and agreed outputs.
• Supporting and coordinating the pipeline of analytical, methodological, and coordination activities emerging from collaboration among Working Group members, including the identification, sequencing, and follow-up of priority outputs.
• Acting as a technical and coordination interface between UIS, ECLAC, and national counterparts to ensure coherence across data collection efforts, analytical work, and Working Group deliverables.
• Supporting the production of analytical and methodological papers based on household surveys and population census data, in line with UIS methodologies, international standards (e.g. ISCED), and SDG 4 metadata requirements.
• Coordinating data and metadata collection with national statistical offices, with particular emphasis on Caribbean countries and the use of census data for education statistics.
• Supporting the consolidation, systematization, and knowledge management of Working Group outputs to ensure continuity, institutional learning, and sustainability of the initiative.

Under the supervision of UIS, the consultant will carry out the following tasks:

Data and Metadata Coordination

• Coordinate with NSOs and relevant national institutions to collect, document, and systematize education-related data and metadata derived from household surveys and population censuses.
• Place special emphasis on supporting Caribbean countries, including small island developing states, to improve coverage, documentation, and usability of census and survey-based education statistics.
• Support the identification, documentation, and classification of relevant household surveys and census instruments, including education modules, reference populations, and fieldwork timing.
• Assist in diagnosing data gaps, inconsistencies, and methodological limitations affecting SDG 4 reporting based on household surveys and censuses.

Support to the Regional Working Group Coordination

• Support the day-to-day coordination of the Regional Working Group, including preparation and follow-up of email exchanges, technical notes, and background materials.
• Assist in organizing and documenting virtual and in-person Working Group meetings, including agendas, presentations, minutes, and action points.
• Facilitate communication between UIS, ECLAC, and Working Group members to ensure timely inputs and follow-up on agreed activities.

Analytical and Technical Contributions

• Support the production of analytical and methodological papers developed under the Working Group, drawing on the UIS–ECLAC collaboration framework.
• Assist in the preparation of background analyses, tables, figures, and technical annexes for papers and reports, including inputs to presentations for regional and global forums (e.g. EDSC).
• Support the development of methodological notes and recommendations aimed at improving harmonization, comparability, and alignment with international standards (e.g. ISCED, UIS SDG 4 metadata).

• Duration: March to September (7 months).
• Full-time equivalent consultancy.

  Reporting and Coordination Arrangements

  The consultant will work under the technical supervision of UIS and in close coordination with the UIS focal point for Latin America and the Caribbean. The consultant will also interact regularly with ECLAC and national counterparts participating in the Regional Working Group.

The consultant is expected to deliver, in close coordination with UIS:

• Systematized metadata inventories for household surveys and population censuses used in education statistics in LAC, with a focus on Caribbean countries.
• Technical support materials for Working Group coordination (meeting agendas, summaries, and follow-up notes).
• Analytical inputs and draft sections contributing to Working Group papers and reports, including those aligned with the UIS–ECLAC analytical framework.
• Periodic progress updates summarizing activities undertaken, challenges encountered, and next steps.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree in statistics, economics, demography, education, social sciences, or a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience working with data, preferably household surveys and/or population censuses; experience in education statistics is an advantage.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies such as national statistical offices among others. Working in regional or international statistical initiatives is an asset.
• Strong organizational, communication, and drafting skills, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Analytical skills in handling and interpreting survey and census data.
• Ability to synthesize technical information into clear written outputs.
• Strong coordination and interpersonal skills for working with multiple stakeholders across countries.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and methodological rigor.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent proficiency in English and Spanish, with the ability to draft technical and coordination-related materials and participate effectively in professional discussions.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.