UNESCO is recruiting Junior Research Consultants (multiple positions) to support the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, one of the world’s most authoritative and influential education policy reports. These remote consultancy roles offer an opportunity to contribute directly to global education research, policy analysis, and advocacy linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education. The consultancy is open to external candidates and will run for 7 to 11 months, depending on project needs and scope of work. About the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report The Global Education Monitoring Report was established in 2001 and is an editorially independent, evidence-based annual report hosted and published by UNESCO. Its mandate, reaffirmed by the 2015 World Education Forum and the Incheon Declaration, is to monitor progress on SDG 4 and education-related targets across the wider SDG framework. The GEM Report is widely recognised as a critical advocacy and technical tool, supporting inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education worldwide. Each edition combines: Monitoring of global education targets using the latest data Thematic and policy analysis addressing key education challenges Recent and upcoming themes include sustainable development, accountability, migration, inclusion, non-state actors, technology, leadership, and—under the Countdown to 2030 series—access/equity (2026) and learning/quality (2027). In addition to the flagship global report, the GEM team produces: Regional reports Thematic editions (e.g. gender, youth, finance) Online platforms such as PEER, WIDE, VIEW, and SCOPE Role Overview Under the supervision of the Chief of Education Policy, Junior Research Consultants will contribute to multiple GEM Report outputs. The role combines independent research, drafting, data analysis, fact-checking, and collaboration with regional, thematic, and communications teams. The consultancy is fully remote and involves close coordination with: The PEER Coordinator Regional Report Coordinators Thematic researchers Communications staff Key Tasks and Responsibilities Consultants will contribute across three main output streams: Global Report Draft literature reviews, case studies, and report sections Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis Support advocacy and dissemination activities Contribute to fact-checking and referencing Regional Reports Draft sections, case studies, and analytical inputs Support dissemination and advocacy Participate in fact-checking and referencing PEER Country Profiles Draft, review, and map country profiles using provided templates Prepare profiles for website publication and support uploads Participate in internal and external review processes Indicative workload over an 11-month contract includes: Drafting and revising 52 PEER country profiles Revising 38 profiles by other authors Drafting sections and case studies for global and regional reports Fact-checking multiple report chapters Mandatory Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria: Education Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Economics, or a related field Experience At least 2 years of research experience in education, economics, or related areas Required Skills and Competencies Successful candidates typically demonstrate: Excellent drafting and editing skills in English Strong attention to detail and ability to follow style guidelines Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines Experience conducting independent qualitative and quantitative research Familiarity with policy-oriented research Ability to work independently within an international, multicultural environment Desirable Skills Assets for this role include: Understanding of SDG 4 and international education development Familiarity with GEM Report themes (e.g. technology, leadership, equity) Research publications in education or related fields Knowledge of statistical or spreadsheet software Working knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) Contract Details Contract type: Non-staff consultancy Duration: 7–11 months Duty station: Remote (multiple locations) Sector: Education Application deadline: 28 February 2026 (midnight, duty station time) Application Procedure (Important) Applicants must submit one single PDF document in English, containing: An updated CV A technical proposal outlining approach and methodology (1–2 pages) A financial proposal stating the proposed monthly fee (USD, GBP, or EUR) Only complete applications will be considered. Applications are evaluated primarily on technical quality, with cost assessed based on value for money. By applying, candidates consent to inclusion in UNESCO’s consultant roster, unless they explicitly request otherwise. APPLY NOW Selection Process and Equal Opportunity Candidates must apply via the UNESCO careers website. The selection process may include written assessments and interviews conducted remotely. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UNESCO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including candidates from non- and under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities. UNESCO does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment and applies a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment. This consultancy offers early-career researchers a rare opportunity to contribute to global education policy, collaborate with international experts, and support evidence-based progress toward the 2030 education agenda. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.