Head of Education (Data & Indicators) – UNESCO Careers 2025 | Montreal Leadership Opportunity
Are you passionate about transforming education through data-driven insights? The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is recruiting an accomplished professional to lead its global education data initiatives as the Head of Education (Data & Indicators), based in Montreal, Canada.
This senior leadership role offers a rare chance to influence how the world measures, understands, and improves education outcomes. If you’re a data strategist, education policy expert, or international development leader, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
About the UNESCO Institute for Statistics
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the global authority for education data. It supports over 190 countries in collecting, analyzing, and using reliable statistics to strengthen education systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education for All.
The UIS plays a crucial role in shaping evidence-based policies for governments and international organizations, ensuring that every learner’s progress is visible and measurable.
As Head of Education (Data & Indicators), you will lead the section responsible for developing, maintaining, and disseminating global education indicators used by major initiatives such as the UN Transforming Education Summit, the Global Partnership for Education, and the G7/G20 education monitoring frameworks.
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Key Responsibilities
In this high-impact position, you will:
- Lead the strategic direction of the UIS Education Data and Indicators Section, aligning with the institute’s global vision and priorities.
- Oversee three specialized units managing administrative data, household surveys, and data standards integration.
- Supervise the global education indicator database, ensuring data quality, comparability, and timely publication.
- Develop and maintain statistical frameworks such as ISCED classifications and measurement methodologies.
- Collaborate with international partners, including OECD, ILO, and regional commissions, to harmonize global education data systems.
- Mentor and manage a diverse team of statisticians and analysts, fostering innovation, performance, and professional development.
This role demands both technical expertise and strong leadership. You’ll bridge the worlds of education, statistics, and policy to ensure that data meaningfully supports decision-making worldwide.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics, economics, mathematics, education, or social sciences, with strong quantitative and analytical components.
Professional Experience
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in education statistics or related data fields.
- Minimum 5 years of international experience, ideally within the UN system or similar organizations.
- Proven success in managing large-scale data programs and leading multicultural teams.
Skills and Competencies
- Deep knowledge of education indicators, methodologies, and statistical frameworks.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent leadership and communication abilities in multicultural environments.
- Capacity to translate complex data into clear insights for policy and strategy.
Desirable Qualities
- A PhD in a relevant field.
- Experience working in developing or least-developed countries.
- Knowledge of French or another UN language.
Benefits and Conditions
- Annual salary: Approximately USD 138,000, plus family allowance, medical insurance, pension, and 30 days of annual leave.
- Contract type: Two-year project appointment, renewable based on performance and funding.
- Duty station: Montreal, Canada – a vibrant bilingual city known for its cultural diversity, innovation, and high quality of life.
This position offers professional growth in a supportive, international work environment that values collaboration, diversity, and impact.
Why This Role Is an Exceptional Opportunity
Joining UNESCO as Head of Education means more than managing data — it means driving global progress in education. You’ll help shape international policy, support evidence-based reforms, and ensure that every learner’s achievements are captured and celebrated through accurate, equitable data.
Top reasons to apply:
- Influence global education policy at the highest level.
- Lead transformative data strategies that shape the future of learning.
- Collaborate with experts from governments, NGOs, and development partners.
- Build a legacy of measurable impact aligned with SDG 4.
Application Information
- Deadline for applications: 4 November 2025 (midnight, Paris time).
- Applications must be submitted online through UNESCO’s official careers portal.
- The selection process includes technical assessments and competency-based interviews.
UNESCO is committed to diversity, gender equality, and inclusion. Candidates from underrepresented regions, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Final Thoughts
The Head of Education (Data & Indicators) position at UNESCO is one of the most influential education data leadership opportunities available today. It’s a role that combines analytical excellence, strategic vision, and global impact.
If you’re ready to take on a mission that matters — using data to shape the future of education and advance equitable learning for all — this is your moment to lead.
Apply now and become part of UNESCO’s mission to ensure every learner counts.
