Research Consultant for Education, OSE, UNICEF Innocenti, Italy, 8.5 months, (Remote) #592087

About the position UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website [ to learn more about what we do at UNICEF. For every child, education Purpose of Assignment: Contribute to the technical and operational implementation of the Data Must Speak (DMS) Stage 5 project in Ghana, with a focus on the timely and high-quality delivery of research activities related to evidence translation and uptake at the school level. The consultant will help ensure alignment across team members, contribute to the close monitoring of project progress, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality analytical outputs and knowledge products in line with the project’s objectives, drawing on and building from inputs and deliverables produced by other consultants. Scope of Work: The consultant will work under the supervision of the Research Manager (Education Policy and Systems Research) to contribute to the implementation of the DMS Stage 5 project in Ghana, including day-to-day coordination, follow-up to data collection, preparation and refinement of analysis plans, production of high-quality data analysis and interpretation, and preparation of intermediate and final outputs. The consultant will also engage with the UNICEF country office, government counterparts, and research partners; contribute to regular project tracking and reporting; and respond to emerging technical and operational needs. In doing so, the consultant will draw on relevant inputs and deliverables produced by the team to help inform and strengthen the project’s outputs. Responsibilities • Contribute to the technical and operational implementation of the Data Must Speak (DMS) Stage 5 project in Ghana • Ensure alignment across team members • Contribute to the close monitoring of project progress • Contribute to the delivery of high-quality analytical outputs and knowledge products in line with the project’s objectives • Day-to-day coordination • Follow-up to data collection • Preparation and refinement of analysis plans • Production of high-quality data analysis and interpretation • Preparation of intermediate and final outputs • Engage with the UNICEF country office, government counterparts, and research partners • Contribute to regular project tracking and reporting • Respond to emerging technical and operational needs Requirements • Master’s degree in education, policy analysis, economics, sociology, social policy, political science, public policy, public administration or another relevant social science discipline. • At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in applied research at national and international level, including in low- and middle-income countries. • Strong experience in research design, implementation, and analysis. • Demonstrated experience supporting field research, primary qualitative data collection, and synthesis of findings for policy and programme audiences. • Strong analytical and drafting skills, including experience preparing reports, briefs, presentations, and knowledge products. • Proven record of high-quality research publications in the field of education. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, multicultural environment and to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. • Fluency in English is required. Nice-to-haves • Experience in research on education topic areas such as Teachers, School Leadership, and Gender equality. • Experience with qualitative coding methods. • Ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment; prior experience with UNICEF or other international development organization. • Fluency in another UN language.