Call for Consultancy: Communication and Information Statistics Strategy (Montreal, Canada) contract Full Time NEW

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 3 – Senior

Hiring Unit : Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station : Montreal

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−4 Time) : 27/03/2026

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

Background
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating internationally comparable statistics in education, science, culture, and communication. UIS is undertaking a strategic review of its Communication and Information Statistics Programme, which forms part of its broader Medium Term Strategy (MTS) 2022–2029.

Objective of the Consultancy
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of the CI Statistics Programme to provide actionable recommendations for a renewed UIS Communication and Information Statistics Strategy. This strategy will guide UIS’s future work on data collection, analysis, and dissemination in the communication and information domain, aligned with UNESCO’s overall strategic priorities and global data needs.

The consultant will produce:

1. A comprehensive report presenting the research findings and recommendations for the development of a new UIS Communication and Information Statistics Strategy.

The scope of the work will include the following:

1. A review of the UIS Medium Term Strategy 2022-2029. 
2. A review of the UIS Communication and Informational Statistics Programme from 2001-2024.
3. A review of the current UNESCO CI Sector Programme priorities in the 43/C5 (2026-2029) and other strategic documents as well as recent CI Sector statistical activities in internet connectivity, media development, freedom of expression, and digital technology adoption.
4. A review of:   

• G7 and G20 CI related documents and declarations.
• Ongoing UN post-2030 discussions and outcomes—such as the Summit of the Future—and consider how they relate to CI and CI statistics. 

5. In depth consultations with the UNESCO CI Sector Executive Office and CI Sector Division Chiefs and other staff as needed. The consultations can be in the form of online interviews and/or the use of an electronic questionnaire.
6. An overview of the CI statistics related activities in selected international organizations such as the UN Secretariat, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), African Union, Organization of American States and Mercosur.
7.    An overview of the CI statistics related activities in selected regional organisations such as the OECD, Eurostat, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
8.    Consultation with selected key stakeholders.
9.    The identification of potential partnerships and synergies at the international and regional levels.

The project will commence in April 2026 and conclude in September 2026 covering a period of 6 months.

1. CI Statistics Strategy Paper – Draft 1 (30 June 2026) 
2. CI Statistics Strategy Paper – Final (15 September 2026)

• 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 (Master or PhD degree or equivalent) in quantitative disciplines (e.g. statistics, economics, social sciences,) and preferably in a communication and information sciences discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 7-10 years working experience in CI statistics and/or research and/or policy development. Direct experience managing or implementing communication and information programmes is desirable. 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and writing English communication skills.
• A demonstrated ability to conduct research and synthesize information.
• Effective organizational and people skills.
• Proficient in time management.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Client oriented and collaborative.

LANGUAGES

• Demonstrates strong proficiency in both spoken and written English. Familiarity with French, Spanish or Arabic is considered advantageous for supporting the requirements of this assignment.

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application and submit the following required information: 

Part 1: Technical Proposal
a) an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
b) a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. 
c) a document of 2-4 pages describing your proposed approach for completing the assignment.

Part 2: Financial Proposal
a) A competitive fee for the assignment, quoted in USD and expressed monthly – and the overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lumpsum. 

Applications without the Technical and Financial proposal will not be accepted. 

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).

• The selected candidate can work remotely.
• This consultant contract is for a period of approximately 6 months, and the workload corresponds to a full-time consultancy.
• Estimated contract start date: April 2026. 
• 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.