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.
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is a think tank within the United Nations that carries out policy-focused research and capacity building on issues of strategic interest and importance to the UN and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions oriented toward immediate implementation and sustainability over the long term. In June 2022, UNU-CPR established an office in Geneva, with the generous support of the Government of Switzerland, to help expand the Centre’s support across the UN system, collaborate with the full range of policy actors in International Geneva, and help bridge the policy ecosystems in Geneva and New York.
UNU-CPR’s core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centre’s work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination.
Research Associate
The Research Associate position offers a unique opportunity to engage in substantive research and link scientific and scholarly communities to policymaking in the multilateral system. It is located in a relatively new UN University presence in Geneva, so will include strategic-level work on developing new research agendas, and helping to build new partnerships in Geneva. Candidates with experience in developing policy-relevant research and with a desire to improve global governance in a dynamic and innovative manner are encouraged.
The core of this position is to generate policy-relevant research and advice for the UNU-CPR Geneva Office and its partners, in line with its priority areas of human rights, peace and security, environment, science and technology, and improving global governance to address new and emerging risks.
Under the supervision of the Head of Office, the Research Associate will be responsible for:
1. Research and writing
2. Coordination and representation
3. Strategic planning and project development
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
CompetenciesValues:
Behaviours:
1) Education and certification
2) Required skills and experience
3) Language Requirements:
4) Location Requirement:
This is a full-time position based in Geneva requiring a minimum number of days in office and availability for in-person meetings . Work from a remote location is not possible, nor is telecommuting for this role. Any candidate not able to commit to a full-time role in Geneva will be disqualified.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of USD 78,000 to USD84,000, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days 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 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Starting date
Early January 2025
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Application Deadline
8 November 2024, 12pm NY time
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
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.
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.
Scam Warning
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