National Project Officer, Research and Development 1 (New Delhi, India) contract

Position Number: 4INEDPA067GI

Grade: NO-D

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: New Delhi

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 31/05/2026

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

1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of India may apply for this position.

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s category 1 institute that focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 towards the development and promotion of new approaches to education for building peaceful and sustainable societies. The Institute aims to contribute to the conceptualization, design, and implementation of research and capacity building strategies that strengthen the policies of UNESCO member-states to promote education for peace, wellbeing and sustainability.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Director of the Institute, the Senior National Project Officer will serve as the Head of Mission for Research and Development, and the primary resource for leading the (a) conceptualization and implementation of science and evidence-based interdisciplinary research projects on education for peace, wellbeing and sustainability (b)  development of research strategies that explore emerging trends in India, regionally, and globally focusing on digital pedagogies and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies (c)  design, testing and implementation of digital pedagogies to mainstream social and emotional learning in the education systems of UNESCO Member-States, and (d) collaborative and interdisciplinary research initiatives with relevant UNESCO entities, universities, research institutes, and think tanks based on synergy with the mission of the Institute. Working in close collaboration with the other Missions and Units of the Institute, the incumbent will (a) conceive and plan programs (b) co-design assessments (c) conduct research, and (d) build capacity for socio-emotional skills using interactive digital pedagogies and evidence based policies and practices embedded in science of learning.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Institute, the incumbent will be responsible for the following  tasks and responsibilities:

• Design and formulate research on how the competencies for Social and Emotional Learning promote education for peace, wellbeing and sustainability.
• Lead the Research and Development Mission of the Institute to develop national and international proposals for competitive funding. 
• Lead UNESCO MGIEP to collaborate with relevant entities within UNESCO including the existing category 1 Institutes on research projects that advance SEL competencies for inclusive and equitable quality education.
• Lead the design, research, and implementation of science and evidence-based programs of the Institute that cultivate competencies for SDG 4.7.
• Lead the science-based survey initiatives; guide design of data collection instruments; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues, and prepare conclusions to test the efficacy of programs in India and other UNESCO member states.

• Ensure project alignment with Government reforms and maintain regular relations with national counterparts and key stakeholders.
• Manage outreach activities; prepare policy-oriented quality briefings and presentations, design and conduct training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on technical topics and activities as deemed appropriate within the framework of the programme.
• Laise with the Program Design and Evaluation Mission of the Institute to formulate, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the projects and activities of the Institute, including the impact of its online courses and digital learning platforms.
• Identify opportunities to expand research initiatives on education for peace and sustainable development in India and other countries, especially in the global south.
• Nurture partnerships with member states, education networks, universities, and research institutes on themes related to education for peace, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) at MGIEP, contribute to all aspects of organizational and institutional development, including the shaping of the future vision, strategies, operations, recruitment, staff development and retention, and resource mobilization.

• Lead the adaptation of research and empirical findings to strengthen the science-policy, policy uptake, and research-to-policy nexus as recommended in the Second Evaluation Report of the Institute issued in 2023.
• Supervise the development of manuscripts for peer review, and policy briefs for stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the other Missions and Units, contribute to the preparation of reports for submission to the governing board on programme performance, ensuring quality and accuracy and a clear assessment of impact in alignment with results-based performance indicators.
• Identify relevant partners that will assist in addressing gaps in the research agenda in the educational systems of UNESCO member-states.
• Develop partnerships with relevant organizations to develop and advance a global research agenda on themes within the mission of the Institute.
• Organize strategic dialogues with relevant stakeholders to advance the research needs of the countries of in the global south on education for peace, wellbeing and sustainability.

• Coordinate with various project teams at the Institute to provide relevant research inputs for different projects.
• Coordinate with relevant UNESCO divisions and field offices to streamline research efforts to contribute to usage for policy by translating research content into practical guides for policymakers.
• Collaborate with the partnerships team at MGIEP to develop strategic research partnerships for the Institute.
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in the sciences of Learning, Education, Social Sciences or other disciplines related to education policy.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant experience related to research and practice in education policy, sustainability, and evidence-based innovative development of pedagogical tools for learning and assessment in a university, research institute, think tank, multilateral, governmental, or civil society organization.
• Experience in designing and executing well-designed research programs for evidence-based learning.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary research teams, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in supervising the successful implementation of research programs.
• Experience in Social and Emotional Learning and digital pedagogies.
• Experience in fundraising from relevant stakeholders.
• Field experience of conducting research with schools and Government Departments/Ministries following specified research protocols.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

A successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Excellent organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to establish priorities, coordinate and monitor work plans.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing, with strong representation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills proposing innovative approaches and ideas.
• Familiarity with result-based management.
• Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge.
• Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction, and priorities.
• Demonstrated comprehensive research, interpretation, and critical analysis skills.
• Ability to efficiently manage and share information and knowledge.
• Able to catalyze new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to engage with a diverse group of partners from a range of disciplines and forge productive working relationships.
• Excellent IT skills

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
• Working knowledge of Hindi.

EDUCATION

• PhD in a discipline relevant to education-related sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international environment with a focus on research for policy uptake.

LANGUAGES

• Working knowledge of another UNESCO official language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish).

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is INR 6 847 605 subject to deduction of pension, insurance, etc.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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 staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.