UNICEF works across more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights and help every child reach their full potential. At the heart of this mission is our commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant research that drives better decisions for children’s learning and wellbeing.

The Education Unit at UNICEF Innocenti is expanding its roster of highly qualified specialists in quantitative and mixed-methods research. We are offering a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) for an Individual Consultant who will contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of research that strengthens education systems worldwide. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking impactful, flexible, and globally relevant work.

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Why Join UNICEF Innocenti?

At UNICEF, you do more than a job—you make a meaningful impact. We are committed to:

• Advancing the rights of every child

• Creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace

• Providing opportunities for professional growth

• Promoting evidence-based decision-making across global education systems

As part of this consultancy, you will help generate insights that guide UNICEF’s education programmes, inform policy, and shape solutions for learners around the world.

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The Role: What You Will Do

As a Quantitative Research Consultant, you will work under the guidance of a Research Manager or Research Specialist and may take on the following responsibilities depending on each assignment:

1. Research Design & Methodology

• Develop robust quantitative research designs, sampling strategies, and analytical frameworks.

• Contribute to conceptual frameworks, theories of change, and data-collection protocols.

• Create research instruments (questionnaires, learning assessments, observation tools, interview guides).

• Digitize tools using Kobo Toolbox or similar ODK platforms.

• Prepare methodological documentation, data dictionaries, and IRB submissions.

2. Data Collection Support

• Support or oversee pilot testing, enumerator training, and quality-assurance processes.

3. Data Management, Analysis & Visualization

• Clean, merge, and manage large-scale datasets (e.g., EMIS, exams, household surveys).

• Conduct descriptive, multilevel, experimental, and quasi-experimental analyses using STATA, R, or Python.

• Produce high-quality analytical outputs, dashboards, and reproducible code.

• Contribute to mixed-methods integration and interpretation across data sources.

• Draft research reports, policy briefs, and academic papers.

4. Capacity Strengthening

• Provide technical guidance to UNICEF teams, ministries, and implementing partners.

• Facilitate trainings on research design, data quality, and evidence-based decision-making.

5. Dissemination & Engagement

• Prepare dissemination products: briefs, presentations, blogs, visual summaries.

• Participate in co-creation and evidence-sharing workshops with global, regional, and national partners.

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Key Deliverables

Deliverables will vary by assignment and may include:

• Completed days of research services

• Research designs and sampling plans

• Cleaned datasets with documentation

• Analytical outputs, tables, and visualizations

• Draft and finalized reports or publications

• Training materials and technical notes

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Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Education, Psychology, Social Policy, Political Science, or related quantitative fields

• At least 5 years of experience in quantitative research (ideally education-focused)

• Proven expertise in managing and analyzing large datasets

• Strong proficiency in STATA, R, or Python

• Demonstrated experience in quantitative research design and applied econometrics

• Ability to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences

• Excellent English writing and presentation skills

• Strong organizational and teamwork abilities

Desirable Assets

• Mixed-methods research experience

• Experience in multi-country or complex data-collection settings

• Instrument development (assessments, observation tools, surveys)

• Experience using AI tools for research

• Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, R Shiny, GIS

• Experience training or mentoring partners in research methods

• Publication record

• Working knowledge of French or Spanish

• Experience in fragile or humanitarian contexts

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UNICEF Core Values

All consultants are expected to uphold UNICEF’s Core Values of:
Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

UNICEF maintains strict safeguarding, anti-discrimination, and zero-tolerance policies, with thorough background and reference checks for all selected candidates.

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Contract & Conditions

• Consultants are not considered UN staff members.

• They are responsible for their taxes, health insurance, and—if applicable—visas.

• Fully remote work is allowed for this consultancy.

• COVID-19 vaccination requirements apply only to consultants who work in UNICEF premises or travel for duty.

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How to Apply

Application Deadline: 4 January 2026 (GMT)
TO APPLY CLICK HERE

Before applying, please review the full Terms of Reference. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Join us in shaping evidence that improves education for millions of children worldwide.

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITY CLICK HERE