UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU 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, 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’ full breadth, 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.
UNU-MERIT is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.
The institute, which collaborates closely with Maastricht University,carries out research and training on a range of social, political and economic factors that drive sustainable socio-economic development in a global perspective. Overall the institute functions as a unique research centre and graduate school for over 100 PhD fellows and 140 Master’s students. It is also a UN think tank addressing a broad range of policy questions on science, innovation and democratic governance.
For more information, in particular on the details of the research themes, please visit https://www.merit.unu.edu.
Under the overall supervision of the Director of the institute the Head of Communications heads the Communications Office and supports the overall management of UNU-MERIT. The Head of Communications responsibilities include the following:
1) Lead strategic communications and knowledge mobilization efforts at UNU-MERIT to support the achievement of the Institutes’ strategic plan
2) Manage and oversee UNU-MERIT’s Communications Office to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of work of personnel, consultants, and contractors, further creating a positive work environment
3) Support UNU-MERIT researchers in producing impactful knowledge products targeted at broad audiences
6) Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor
Values:
Behaviours:
1) Education and certification
2) Required skills and experience
Professionalism, flexibility and ability to work under realistic deadlines
Results driven, foreseeing risks and allowing for contingencies when planning
3) Desired skills and experience
4) Language Requirements
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
1 November 2024 or sooner
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
30 June 2024
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They 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 organisation. 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.
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.
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Required Education: Advanced Degree
Work Hours: 8 Hours a Day
Experience in Months: 60