Chief of Section – Transdisciplinary Research – (International Position) At Organisation of Educational Cooperation

The OEC: The Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) is an international intergovernmental organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

The main functions of the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Foresight (REEF) are, accordingly, to:

1. Act as the think tank of the OEC, publishing reports and policy papers, and foster the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices.
2. Collect, analyse, monitor, and evaluate data to inform policy and practice.
3. Facilitate transdisciplinary research opportunities and access to knowledge.

Role Summary:

The Transdisciplinary Research Section of REEF is responsible for producing high quality transdisciplinary research and resources, including epistemological frameworks, system diagnostic, monitoring and evaluation tools, and evidence-led recommendations to support Member States in defining, revitalising, and evaluating their knowledge and education systems in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education.

Under the authority of the Secretary General and the direct supervision of the Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation and Foresight (REEF), the Chief of Section is responsible for achieving the section’s purpose. The successful candidate will work with a team of research and policy specialists (across disciplinary domains), relevant departments, and stakeholders to produce, select and digitally curate cutting-edge transdisciplinary knowledge and practices and make accessible to Member States and Associate Members.

Duties:

• Lead the Transdisciplinary Research Section of REEF and oversee a team of Research and Policy Specialists.
• Work with relevant departments to lead the development and deployment of a contextually relevant balanced and inclusive education system diagnostic, monitoring and evaluation tool.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, reporting and visualization of data and information collected through monitoring and evaluation activities to inform decision-making and improve program and project design.
• Prepare reports and presentations to share findings with stakeholders, including senior management and external partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners to ensure effective collaboration on monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation activities align with the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education.
• Provide policy advice, technical support, coordination, and partnership building for the establishment of regional centres and institutes of transdisciplinary research.
• Build, maintain and strengthen regional transdisciplinary research ecosystems including a network of experts and partners across Member States and Associate Members.
• Develop and manage research partnerships and networks with educational institutions and relevant government departments.
• Prepare, present, and communicate high-quality research findings in various formats to a variety of audiences.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategy to support Member States and Associate Members and influence international and regional decisions affecting transdisciplinary research and practice.
• Convene networking, experience-sharing, and capacity-building events that provide opportunities for interaction between gatekeepers of academic and non-academic knowledge.
• Assist with the maintenance of REEF’s institutional presence, including the maintenance of relationships within governmental, academic, non-governmental organisations.
• Project-manage, monitor, evaluate, and report the Section’s projects.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Under-Secretary-General for REEF or by the OEC Secretary-General.

Competencies:

• Substantial experience in managing or conducting research of international quality.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to design and implement effective evaluation methodologies.
• Experience in leading and evaluating complex, multi-country development programmes or research in collaboration with multilateral counterparts.
• Experience in working with or within governments and international organisations, and a demonstrated understanding of mechanisms of multilateral cooperation.
• Experience in designing and leading government technical assistance programmes.
• Experience in managing a team of experts to deliver work to plan, budget, and schedule.
• Experience in overseeing the review process or the overall quality of content of a reputable peer-reviewed journal or edited volume.
• A demonstrated understanding of contemporary debates, issues and constraints in transdisciplinary scholarship and practice.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals, departments, and stakeholders.
• Excellent coordination skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
• A willingness and ability to travel internationally for work.
• An excellent international network amongst researchers.
• Political astuteness and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation.
• Ability to withstand and work effectively within a highly demanding environment.

Qualifications:

• A doctorate degree in Sociology/Anthropology, Psychology or related Social Science discipline, with an emphasis on transdisciplinary studies.

  Successful candidates should have a minimum of ten years of research experience beyond the doctoral degree. This experience may be in a university, think tank, government department, museum, or archival institution, or in a non-governmental organisation or the private sector.

Language Requirements:

Candidates must be fluent in English. Knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the OEC (French, Arabic, Spanish) is a distinct advantage.