Quantitative Research Specialist (Education) - P3

cinfo; Monza; Remoto; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading children's rights organization is seeking a Research Specialist (Education) to coordinate critical research initiatives. The role involves conducting mixed-methods research, guiding UNICEF Country Offices, and enhancing the influence of applied research on education policy. Candidates should have a Master’s degree, at least 5 years of experience in relevant fields, and proficiency in quantitative methods. The position offers remote work flexibility and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Competenze

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Data Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in education, development, research, or quantitative analysis.
• Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods and tools (R, Python, Stata).
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French required.

Mansioni

• Coordinate education-related research activities for various projects.
• Conduct mixed-methods research with emphasis on quantitative methods.
• Guide UNICEF Country Offices in aligning education research with global priorities.
• Strengthen evidence generation to influence education policy and practice.

Conoscenze

Advanced quantitative methods

Research project management

Partnership building

Written and oral communication skills

Formazione

Master’s degree in Education or related field

Strumenti

R

Python

Stata

GIS

GitHub

Descrizione del lavoro

Overview

UNICEF Innocenti conducts and commissions research on emerging or current issues relevant for children and child rights. The office translates research and trend analyses into policy, programming and advocacy, driving the organisation’s vision and child rights agenda worldwide.

Position

Research Specialist (Education)

Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will coordinate education‑related research activities for projects such as Data Must Speak (DMS), Women in Learning Leadership (WiLL) and Teachers for All, and will contribute to the design and development of new research initiatives. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting mixed‑methods research with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods.
• Guiding UNICEF Country Offices in education research to align with UNICEF’s global priorities and Innocenti’s strategy.
• Strengthening evidence generation, fostering innovation and enhancing the influence of applied research on education policy and practice.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Data Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in education, development, research, quantitative analysis or evidence generation.
• Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods and tools (R, Python, Stata). Ability to design, conduct and analyze studies, and manage research projects to timely, high‑quality delivery.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) or a local language.
• Experience with geospatial data analysis (GIS) and version control platforms such as GitHub.
• Proven record of producing high‑quality research outputs, policy briefs and publications.
• Strong partnership building skills with academic institutions, research networks and development actors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organisations.
• Relevant country‑level experience, especially in fragile settings or humanitarian contexts.

Additional Information

Applicants may work remotely from a location other than Florence, Italy. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce; candidates from the Global South and under‑represented groups are encouraged to apply. The role is open to international professionals; mobility is required.

Application Process

Submit your application through UNICEF’s official careers website only. Please do not use third‑party job portals. External support is available for Swiss nationals during the initial selection stage.