Qualitative Research Specialist (Education) - P3

cinfo; Monza; In loco; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An international organization is seeking a Research Specialist in Education to coordinate and implement mixed-methods research across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree and have at least 5 years of relevant experience in education research, program development, and evidence generation. The role emphasizes stakeholder engagement and requires fluency in English and French, with additional languages a plus. This position offers a chance to contribute to meaningful education initiatives globally.

Competenze

• 5+ years of relevant experience in education research.
• Strong understanding of global development challenges.
• Expertise in education policy and global engagement strategies.

Mansioni

• Coordinate research activities across major education projects.
• Design and implement mixed-methods research studies.
• Engage with UNICEF Country Offices and partners.

Conoscenze

Education research

Qualitative analysis

Program development

Policy dialogue

Partnership building

Fluency in English

Fluency in French

Formazione

Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

Strumenti

NVivo

Atlas.ti

Descrizione del lavoro

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.