UNICEF Innocenti Announces Remote Research Job Opportunity

UNICEF Innocenti is seeking an individual consultant under a Long-Term Agreement to support quantitative and mixed-methods education research. This remote opportunity focuses on research design, data analysis, reporting, and capacity building, with applications closing on 4 January 2026.

Advancing Evidence-Based Education Through Global Research

UNICEF Innocenti, the Global Office of Research and Foresight for UNICEF, has announced an exciting opportunity for experienced researchers through a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) for an individual consultant specialising in quantitative and mixed-methods research in education. This role offers professionals the chance to contribute directly to global education policy and practice while working remotely from anywhere in the world.

The consultancy is designed to strengthen the generation, analysis, and use of high-quality evidence across education systems. By supporting UNICEF Innocenti’s research agenda, the selected consultant will help inform policies and programmes that aim to improve learning outcomes, promote equity, and ensure that education systems respond effectively to the needs of children and young people worldwide.

Applications for this consultancy close on 4 January 2026 (GST).

About UNICEF Innocenti

UNICEF Innocenti serves as a leading hub for rigorous research, foresight, and policy analysis within UNICEF. Its work supports evidence-informed decision-making across national governments, international organisations, and development partners. By combining cutting-edge research with practical policy engagement, Innocenti plays a key role in shaping global conversations on children’s rights, education, social protection, and well-being.

Education is a core pillar of Innocenti’s research portfolio. Through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, the office explores what works in education systems, why it works, and how successful interventions can be scaled and adapted across diverse contexts.

Purpose of the Long-Term Agreement (LTA)

The Long-Term Agreement mechanism allows UNICEF Innocenti to draw on specialised expertise on an as-needed basis over a defined period. Rather than a single, fixed assignment, the LTA enables flexibility, with the consultant being contracted for specific tasks as research needs arise.

Under this arrangement, the consultant will provide expert support across multiple education research initiatives, contributing to projects at different stages—from conceptual design to dissemination of findings. This structure is particularly suited to experienced researchers who are comfortable working across varied topics, datasets, and country contexts.

Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

As an LTA consultant, the individual may be called upon to deliver services in one or more of the following areas:

Research Design and Methodology
The consultant will contribute to the development of robust research frameworks, including the design of quantitative and mixed-methods studies. This may involve crafting research questions, developing survey instruments, selecting appropriate indicators, and designing sampling strategies that ensure data quality and representativeness across different education contexts.

Data Management and Analysis
A central component of the role involves managing and analysing complex datasets. The consultant will apply advanced quantitative methods to generate insights that are both statistically sound and policy-relevant. This may include cleaning and harmonising datasets, conducting descriptive and inferential analyses, and integrating quantitative findings with qualitative evidence where appropriate.

Analytical Reporting and Publications
The consultant will support the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, working papers, and academic publications. These outputs are expected to translate technical findings into clear, actionable messages for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders, while maintaining methodological rigor and transparency.

Dissemination and Capacity Building
Beyond analysis, the role places strong emphasis on making evidence usable. The consultant may contribute to dissemination activities such as presentations, webinars, and workshops. Capacity-building support to strengthen research literacy and evidence use within education programmes and systems is also a key aspect of the consultancy.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is well suited to professionals with strong expertise in education research, particularly those who are motivated by the goal of improving equity and learning outcomes through evidence-based decision-making. Ideal candidates are likely to have advanced training in fields such as education, economics, statistics, public policy, or social sciences, combined with hands-on experience in quantitative or mixed-methods research.

UNICEF Innocenti is particularly interested in consultants who are comfortable working in international and multicultural contexts, and who can communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical audiences. A passion for using data to inform real-world change and to advance children’s rights is central to the role.

Flexible, Remote Work Arrangement

One of the defining features of this consultancy is its remote, work-from-home structure. Consultants can be based anywhere globally, making this an accessible opportunity for qualified professionals regardless of geographic location. Assignments will be agreed upon in advance, with clear deliverables and timelines, allowing flexibility while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the stated deadline of 4 January 2026 (GST). Applications are submitted online through UNICEF’s official recruitment platform.

Prospective applicants should ensure that their profiles clearly demonstrate relevant research experience, technical skills, and familiarity with education systems or education policy research. Given the competitive nature of UNICEF consultancies, early submission is strongly recommended.

Contributing to Global Education Impact

This Long-Term Agreement consultancy with UNICEF Innocenti represents a meaningful opportunity to influence education policy and practice at a global level. By strengthening the evidence base on what works in education—and ensuring that evidence is accessible and actionable—the consultant will play a role in advancing more equitable, effective, and resilient education systems worldwide.

For researchers who are driven by impact, collaboration, and the power of data to improve lives, this role offers both professional challenge and the chance to contribute to lasting change.