United Nations University (UNU)

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.

About Office/Institute

UNU- Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (BIOLAC) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-BIOLAC promotes the use of biotechnology for the sustainable development of Latin American and Caribbean countries. UNU-BIOLAC accomplishes its goals by building capacities, creating knowledge, and achieving problem-oriented research on significant areas of concern for the region. In addition, it acts as a go-to think tank for science-based information to solve the most pressing problems where biotechnology could play a prominent role. UNU-BIOLAC materializes an academic community through a dynamic network of researchers and institutions participating as Programme members under several cooperative agreements. This network coordinates research and training projects, conducts training activities, and mentors short-stay research visits and training internships. This position Full-time might require international travel. The UNU-BIOLAC Executive Assistant will be based in Caracas, Venezuela.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the BIOLAC Programme Head and the administrative & programmatic direction of the UNU Headquarters, the Executive Assistant to the Programme Head will perform duties as follows:

3. Assist the Programme Head in the Organization of all academic activities:

4. Makes necessary coordination and due arrangements for IAC meetings implementations:

5. Provide support to the Programme Head in the efforts to expand the Programme:

6. Performs other duties assigned by the Programme Head.

Key Performance Indicators

• Quality and level of engagement with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.
• Academic support for research fellows on issues regarding their academic activities.
• Updated and efficient maintenance of UNU-BIOLAC’s Databases.
• Personnel well trained in their respective chores.
• Timely and reliable information provided to all UNU-BIOLAC staff.
• Priority attention to all academic activities.

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.

1) Education and certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Basic Sciences or Social Studies.

2) Required skills and experience

• Knowledge of biotechnology is more than desirable.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package. Benefits include 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 6 months. This is a 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.

Starting date

Immediate

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

Application Deadline

16 November 2024.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates includes a personal competency-based interview and a written test assessment which may be followed by background checks and references. We do not pay transportation costs to attend the interview. Please note that we are unable to provide assistance with visa applications.

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

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.