National Consultant-Research and Knowledge Management

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Dhaka

Classification of duty station: Field Office

Standard Duration of Assignment: From 1 to 6 months

Job Family: Education

Type of contract: Non Staff

Duration of contract : 3 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Dhaka Time): 13 September 2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to fostering peace and sustainable development through education, sciences, culture, communication and information. Research and knowledge management are key priorities to UNESCO’s mission in Bangladesh, ensuring that programmes are informed by robust data and evidence, and that knowledge products are effectively maintained and disseminated.

Building on this background, the UNESCO Dhaka Office seeks to engage a National Consultant for Research and Knowledge Management to provide high-level technical support in the design and implementation of research and knowledge management initiatives. The consultant will primarily focus on Health Promoting Schools (HPS) and Socio-Emotional Well-being (SEW) interventions in the education sector, while also extending support to the sciences, culture, communication and information sectors.

The consultant will work under the overall authority of the Head of Office, overall supervision of the Head of Education and direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Education (Health and Well-being) at the UNESCO Dhaka Office.

Long Description

Research:

• Support the design and implementation of research initiatives, including situation analyses, needs assessments, mapping, action research and evaluations, ensuring relevance to Bangladesh’s national priorities and UNESCO’s mandate.
• Based on data and evidence, support the development of programme documents such as project proposals, work plans, and results frameworks.
• Support implementing partners in analysing quantitative and qualitative data with appropriate tools and methodologies.
• Conduct field missions to monitor and quality assure research projects as needed.

Long Description

Knowledge Management:

• Review existing knowledge management practices at UNESCO Dhaka Office, identify gaps and inefficiencies and recommend practical ideas and tools for improvement.
• Develop knowledge products such as analytical reports, policy briefs and publications by synthesizing research findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Develop and manage systems for collecting, curating, and disseminating knowledge products, including analytical reports, policy briefs, publications, and resource packs, with specific outputs on HPS, SEW and other project implementation and outcomes.

Long Description

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Strengthen collaboration with academic institutions, research bodies, and civil society to expand the evidence base for UNESCO’s programmes and projects.
• Contribute to resource mobilization by preparing evidence-based project proposals and concept notes for joint initiatives.
• Coordinate with ministries e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Planning as well as UN agencies to align research and knowledge outputs with national priorities.

Carry out additional programmatic, operational and administrative responsibilities as delegated by both the Supervisor and the Head of Office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)

- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Data Analytics, or other relevant fields.

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible work in research, evaluation, or knowledge management, preferably with an international organization including the UN agencies.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting research in education, health and well-being, or related social sectors, and producing high-quality knowledge products including analytical reports and policy briefs.
• Proven knowledge and skills in R, Python and Arc GIS are an asset.
• Experience in working with government institutions and coordinating multi-stakeholder research processes is an asset.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills in both English and Bangla.
• Ability to synthesise complex data into actionable findings for diverse audiences, including government entities.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules, priorities and capacity to work effectively under pressure.
• Good computer skills, proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SPSS/Stata/SQL/R, Canva/photoshop, etc.)
• Sound understanding of gender equality, equity, and inclusion in research design and execution.

Languages

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

BENEFITS

The salary is negotiable with a range of BDT 120,000–150,000 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The individual consultant may be required to undertake field missions. In such case, the related expenses will be covered by UNESCO in accordance with relevant regulations.

Job Hours: Full Time

THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION AND FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.