The UNESCO is inviting applications for multiple Junior Research Consultants to contribute to the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report. These remote, non-staff consultancy positions will support high-quality research and analysis aligned with global education priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Contract Type: Non-staff consultancy
- Duration: 7–11 months
- Duty Station: Remote (Multiple locations)
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026 (Midnight, Duty Station Time)
UNESCO’s core values—Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism—guide the selection process.
About the GEM Report
The Global Education Monitoring Report is an editorially independent, evidence-based annual report hosted and published by UNESCO. Established in 2001 (formerly the Education for All Global Monitoring Report), its current mandate derives from the 2015 World Education Forum and the Education 2030 Framework for Action.
The GEM Report:
- Monitors progress toward SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- Tracks education-related targets across other SDGs
- Reports on implementation of national and international education strategies
- Provides policy recommendations based on global evidence
Each edition traditionally includes:
- A monitoring section analyzing global education data
- A thematic section focused on a selected policy issue
Recent themes have included sustainable development, accountability, migration, inclusion, non-state actors, technology, and leadership. The 2026 and 2027 editions—part of the Countdown to 2030 series—will focus on:
- 2026: Access and equity
- 2027: Learning and quality
In addition to the global report, the GEM team produces:
- Regional reports
- Thematic reports (e.g., gender, youth, finance)
- Online resources such as PEER country profiles
Objectives of the Consultancy
Under the supervision of the Chief of Education Policy, consultants will:
- Contribute research inputs to global and regional reports
- Draft and revise PEER country profiles
- Support advocacy and dissemination efforts
- Conduct fact-checking and referencing
- Collaborate with thematic, regional, communications, and PEER teams
The consultancy requires strong independent research capacity combined with collaborative teamwork.
Key Deliverables (Indicative Workload)
During an 11-month contract, consultants may be responsible for:
- Drafting 52 PEER country profiles (1,000 words each)
- Revising 38 country profiles drafted by other authors
- Drafting:
- 1 regional report section (1,000 words)
- 1 global report case study (1,500 words)
- 1 regional case study and section (3,000 words)
- 1 gender report box (1,000 words)
- 1 global report box or section (1,000 words)
- Fact-checking:
- 2 global report chapters (10,000 words total)
- 1 regional report chapter (5,000 words)
This breakdown enables applicants to propose accurate monthly consultancy fees.
Mandatory Requirements
Education:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Education, Economics, or a related field
Work Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of research experience in education, economics, or related areas
Required Competencies and Skills
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Excellent drafting skills in English
- Strong attention to detail and adherence to style guidelines
- Ability to conduct independent qualitative and quantitative research
- Experience with policy research
- Capacity to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Experience in multicultural and international environments
Core competencies include:
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Communication
- Innovation
- Results focus
- Planning and organization
Desirable Qualifications
- Understanding of themes central to SDG 4
- Knowledge of global education challenges
- Familiarity with international education development frameworks
- Experience with statistical or spreadsheet software
- Published research in relevant fields
- Proficiency in another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit a single PDF document (in English) including:
- Updated CV
- Technical proposal (1–2 pages outlining approach and methodology)
- Financial proposal indicating monthly consultancy fee (USD, GBP, or EUR)
UNESCO evaluates proposals primarily on technical merit, followed by value for money considerations.
Only complete applications will be considered.
By applying, candidates consent to inclusion in UNESCO’s consultant roster unless they indicate otherwise.
Selection Process
The recruitment process may include:
- Technical assessments or written tests
- Interviews (via video or teleconference)
- Reference checks
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Commitment to Diversity and Integrity
UNESCO is committed to:
- Gender parity
- Geographic diversity
- Inclusion of underrepresented Member States
- Workforce diversity across nationality and culture
Individuals from minority groups, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.
A Strategic Research Opportunity
These consultancy roles offer early-career researchers the opportunity to contribute directly to one of the most influential global education monitoring tools. Through rigorous analysis and policy engagement, selected consultants will help shape international education discourse and support accountability in achieving SDG 4.
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