About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

About the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.

The position

UNU-IIGH’s research interrogates power and gender asymmetries that lead to inequitable and unjust health outcomes in (a) the system of global health governance (b) gendered health systems, (c) digital health security and governance, and (d) climate emergencies and just transitions. We seek to catalyse equitable and effective health policies and practices by engaging with a wide array of actors, including governments, multilateral fora, academia, and civil society.

We seek four individuals, one for each work package, who have theoretical and practical knowledge of the critical lenses that we use in our work such as (a) power, (b) feminism (c) intersectionality and (d) decoloniality, and who are able to contextualize these dynamics in global health practice. Candidates with experience in translating knowledge to policy, with ability to work inter-disciplinarily, and to engage with key global actors at different levels will be preferred. Each candidate will report to the Policy Research Lead for the work package he/she/they are selected for.

Responsibilities

Working on selected projects within the relevant work package, the Policy Research Fellow will:

• Generate and help disseminate policy-relevant research
• Provide administrative and managerial input into the successful implementation of research and policy engagement activities
• Build and manage partnerships with external researchers and partners
• Produce specified outputs to the required standard of quality and within the timeline and budget parameters
• Contribute to capacity-building, and knowledge translation
• Contribute to resource mobilization related to the work package
• Participate in international research, policy and outreach events
• Help supervise and mentor policy research associates, PhD students, junior researchers, interns; and
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director or Research Leads

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
  

Required qualifications and experience for the position include:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, including evidence of growing technical and management responsibility; or PhD in a relevant field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience, including evidence of growing technical and management responsibility
• Demonstrated track record in international research and policy engagement in areas related to the work package
• Track record of competitive funding and resource mobilization from national and international funding agencies
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English across a range of communication formats (academic publications, programme reports, policy briefs). Knowledge of another official UN language would be an asset.
• Evidence of academic and peer-reviewed publications related to relevant areas of the work packages
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

• Evidence of teaching and research supervision experience

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract at P-3/P-2 level and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of USD46,472 – USD49,041 for P-2 and USD59,151.00 – USD 62,024.00 for P-3 level, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 12 months. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
• previous applicants who applied for the same position need not apply

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

29 September 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. PSA holders may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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