UNESCO is recruiting Junior Research Consultants for the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2026. Remote contract (7–11 months). Deadline: 28 February 2026.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting applications for Junior Research Consultants to support the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report.
This is a remote, non-staff consultancy contract lasting 7 to 11 months, open to external candidates. Multiple positions are available.
Application Deadline: 28 February 2026 (Midnight Duty Station Time)
Contract Type: Non-Staff Consultant
Duration: 7–11 months
Work Location: Remote
About the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report
The GEM Report is an editorially independent, evidence-based annual publication hosted by UNESCO. Its mandate is to:
- Monitor progress toward SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- Track education targets across the broader Sustainable Development Goals
- Hold governments and partners accountable for education commitments
The 2026 and 2027 editions will focus on:
- 2026: Access and Equity
- 2027: Learning and Quality
In addition to global editions, the team produces:
- Regional reports (Africa, Arab States, Caribbean)
- Thematic reports (gender, youth, finance, etc.)
- PEER country profiles
- Online inequality and completion tracking tools
What You Will Do
Under the supervision of the Chief Education Policy, consultants will contribute research and drafting support across multiple outputs.
Global Report Contributions
- Draft literature reviews and analytical sections
- Develop case studies
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Fact-check chapters
- Support advocacy and dissemination
Regional Reports
- Draft report sections and case studies
- Conduct research analysis
- Support referencing and verification
PEER Country Profiles
- Draft and revise 52 country profiles (approx. 1,000 words each)
- Review 38 additional profiles
- Upload and map profiles to the website
- Participate in review meetings
Expected Deliverables (Indicative Workload)
Over an 11-month contract, the consultant will produce:
- 52 PEER country profiles
- 38 revised country profiles
- 1 regional report section (1,000 words)
- 2 regional report contributions (3,000 words total)
- 1 global case study (1,500 words)
- Multiple policy boxes (1,000 words each)
- Fact-checking of global and regional chapters (15,000+ words total)
Mandatory Requirements
Education
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
- Education
- Economics
- Related fields
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of research experience in:
- Education
- Economics
- Policy research
- Related disciplines
Required Skills
- Excellent drafting skills in English
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research ability
- Ability to follow detailed style guidelines
- Experience in policy research
- Multitasking and deadline management
- Independent research capability
Desirable Qualifications
- Understanding of SDG 4
- Knowledge of international education development
- Research publications in relevant fields
- Experience with statistical software
- Knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)
Application Requirements
Applicants must upload a single PDF document including:
- Updated CV
- Technical proposal (1–2 pages outlining approach and methodology)
- Financial proposal (monthly fee quoted in USD, GBP, or EUR)
Applications must be submitted in English via UNESCO’s official careers portal.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
- Evaluation based primarily on technical merit
- Financial proposal considered for best value
- Possible written tests or interviews
- Final candidates subject to reference checks
Applicants consent to inclusion in UNESCO’s consultant roster unless otherwise indicated.
Why Apply?
This consultancy offers:
- Direct contribution to global education monitoring
- Work on SDG 4 accountability frameworks
- Collaboration with international researchers
- Remote flexibility
- Opportunity to build a strong UN-affiliated research portfolio
For early-career researchers in education policy, this is a high-impact global opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a remote position?
Yes, the consultancy is fully remote.
Is this a salaried job?
No. It is a consultancy contract. Applicants must submit a financial proposal indicating their monthly fee.
What is the contract duration?
Between 7 and 11 months.
Is prior UN experience required?
No, but relevant policy research experience is required.
Can I apply if I have less than 2 years of experience?
No. A minimum of 2 years of research experience is mandatory.
Conclusion
UNESCO’s 2026 Junior Research Consultant positions for the GEM Report provide a strong platform for education researchers seeking global policy engagement. With remote flexibility and meaningful deliverables tied to SDG 4, this is a competitive but impactful consultancy opportunity.
Application deadline: 28 February 2026.
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