UNESCO is Seeking an Associate Project Officer – Digital Games: Apply By 22 April 2026

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is recruiting an Associate Project Officer – Digital Games, based in New Delhi. This position falls under the Education Sector and is offered as a Service Contract (SC9 level) for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

The role is open to external candidates, with an application deadline of April 22, 2026 (midnight IST). It offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of education, technology, and peacebuilding through innovative digital learning solutions.

Institutional Context

The position is housed within the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), a Category I institute of UNESCO. MGIEP leads global efforts in advancing education aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, focusing on peace, sustainability, and global citizenship.

The institute is widely recognised for integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into digital education frameworks. It leverages emerging technologies, including game-based learning and gamification, to enhance learner engagement and improve educational outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

The Associate Project Officer will lead initiatives related to digital games for peace education, contributing to programme design, implementation, and research.

Game Design and Development

• Conceptualise and design digital educational games focused on:
  • Peacebuilding
  • Well-being
  • Sustainable development
• Ensure alignment with pedagogical principles and learning objectives
• Develop both learning and assessment tools using game-based methodologies

Coordination with Development Partners

• Collaborate with external developers, including software and game design vendors
• Oversee development timelines, quality control, and product delivery
• Ensure all outputs align with MGIEP’s educational mission and standards

Game-Based Learning Integration

• Support the development of digital courses hosted on platforms such as FramerSpace
• Work with educators to integrate game-based tools into curricula
• Monitor implementation and provide feedback for continuous improvement

Research and Evaluation

• Design and manage research studies assessing the impact of game-based learning
• Collect and analyse data to evaluate learning outcomes
• Contribute to building evidence for digital education innovation

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Engage with the broader EdTech ecosystem, including:
  • Academic institutions
  • Design schools
  • Technology companies
• Build partnerships to co-create innovative educational tools
• Collaborate internally with interdisciplinary teams to ensure programme coherence

Expected Outcomes

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality digital learning products that:

• Enhance learner engagement through gamification
• Support peace and sustainability education
• Demonstrate measurable educational impact
• Strengthen institutional capacity in game-based learning

Additionally, the role contributes to knowledge-sharing, documentation of best practices, and scaling innovative approaches across educational systems.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
  • Digital Gaming
  • Instructional Design
  • Computer Science
  • Interactive Media
  • Learning Technology or related fields

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in:
  • Designing or managing digital educational products
  • Game-based learning tools
• Experience in research and evaluation of educational technologies
• Proven involvement in digital game design and development
• Familiarity with multi-stakeholder environments and digital platforms

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of gamification and learning design principles
• Demonstrated ability to design educational games aligned with learning outcomes
• Experience with learning management systems or platforms
• Excellent project management and coordination skills
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities

Language Requirements

• Excellent proficiency in English
• Working knowledge of Hindi

Desirable Qualifications

Candidates with the following will have an added advantage:

Education and Technical Skills

• PhD in a relevant field
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal
• Basic programming or scripting knowledge
• Understanding of UX/UI design in educational contexts

Research and Sector Knowledge

• Experience conducting research in digital learning or educational impact
• Academic publications in relevant domains
• Knowledge of global education frameworks related to peace and sustainability
• Experience working in international or multicultural environments

Additional Languages

• Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Annual starting salary of approximately INR 3,286,361
• 30 days annual leave
• Medical insurance reimbursement (up to 5% of base salary)
• Pension contributions (up to 10% of base salary)

As a service contract, the salary is taxable, and the contract holder is responsible for tax obligations.

Recruitment Process

Applicants must submit an online application through the UNESCO careers platform. The selection process may include:

• Written assessments
• Video interviews
• Panel interviews
• Reference checks

Shortlisted candidates may also be included in talent pools for future opportunities.

Organizational Values and Commitment

UNESCO promotes a work culture grounded in:

• Integrity and professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Accountability and innovation

The organisation enforces a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and is committed to inclusive hiring practices. Applications from underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities and minority communities, are strongly encouraged.

Conclusion

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of education through digital innovation. By combining game design, research, and educational strategy, the Associate Project Officer will contribute to advancing peace, well-being, and sustainability through transformative learning experiences.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.