About UN University (UNU)

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.

About Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS

UNU Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

The specific mission of UNU-CRIS is to foster a better understanding of the processes of regional integration and cooperation and their implications in a changing world order. UNU-CRIS specializes in the comparative study of regional integration, multi-level governance and cross-border policy issues.

For more information, in particular on the details of the research themes, please visit https://cris.unu.edu/

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director, the Policy and Communications Officer works closely with the Director to execute the UNU-CRIS strategic plan and vision, build its network, and assist in the day-to-day management of the institute and in the implementation of key institutional priorities. The officer interprets and applies UN/UNU policies, procedures and guidelines, establishes internal procedures, and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex policy issues; leads the Institute’s internal and external communications and acts as the communications focal point with UNU Headquarters; designs and produces visual assets to assist in the dissemination of the Institute’s research output; and manages all ICT procedures and processes ensuring compliance with and in service of the UNU ICT strategic plan.

1. Policy and Research

• Assist the Director with the day-to-day management of the institute and the overall implementation of key institutional priorities;
• Work with the Director on the institute’s strategic planning and self-evaluation exercises;
• Lead qualitative and quantitative reporting to stakeholders and donors;
• Assist the Director in the partnership building of the institute, including in identifying opportunities for and developing UNU-CRIS Research Hubs;
• Act as the UNU-CRIS Focal Point for UNU Project Management; and
• Manage the research output process, including reviewing and editing of (e.g.) policy briefs, working papers, research reports and blogs

2. Manage the Institute’s capacity building programmes

• Coordinate the School of Modern Diplomacy, including devising the programme, managing/liaising with speakers, evaluating applications, participant engagement, developing materials (e.g. handbook/programme guide), leading modules, managing the feedback procedure and managing the alumni network;
• Participate in the organizing committees of the Institute’s two Doctoral Schools;
• Oversee the internship programme, working with supervisors to develop specific calls as necessary, promoting the internship programme, assisting supervisors in the evaluation of candidates where necessary.

3. Lead strategic communications and knowledge mobilization efforts at UNU-CRIS to support the achievement of the Institutes’ strategic plan

• Increase UNU-CRIS’ research uptake – and resulting policy impact – through innovative, targeted and tailored communications campaigns;
• Help maintain the Institute’s position as a leading think-tank and academic institute by curating and producing articles, blogs, newsletters, etc. for the UNU-CRIS website and external audiences;
• Coordinate, write and design the annual report;
• Advise and support in the development of effective events that support the achievement of the institute’s strategic goals in co-operation with relevant internal and external researchers and policymakers;
• Maintain the Institute’s social media channels to help promote the Institute;
• Design and produce visual material to assist in communication efforts; and
• Act as the UNU-CRIS focal point for UNU Communications Network, and actively participate in UNU working groups

4. Manage the Institute’s ICT processes and systems

• Act as the UNU-CRIS focal point in the UNU ICT Network, including representing UNU-CRIS in the quarterly ICT meetings and at the annual ICT retreat, developing the institute’s ICT workplan, reporting to the UNU Head of ICT, and ensuring compliance with UNU ICT standards and procedures;
• Manage the ICT systems and processes, such as overseeing the use of the Office365 suite (e.g. managing SharePoint) and other tools (e.g. Zoom, SmarterQueue) across the Institute;
• Provide technical support for the Institute’s events;
• Provide on-site and virtual ICT troubleshooting; and
• Manage hardware purchases/upgrades with the Financial and Administrative Officer and Administrative Assistant

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality delivery of high impact events locally and internationally
• Contribution to improving visibility and reputation of UNU-CRIS among target audiences and key stakeholders, including research partners, UN entities, governments, donors, and civil society;
• Timely reporting to stakeholders (donors, UN system, UNU, UNU-CRIS Advisory Committee);
• Timely and quality delivery of communications products;
• Timely development and implementation of programme and project documentation;
• Quality and level of engagement with media, governments, universities, and other stakeholders;
• UNU-CRIS is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;

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

– An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political science, communication, or related field.

2) Required skills and experience

Required:

– At least 2 years (5 years would be desirable) of full-time working experience supporting both strategic and programme management, as well as in communications and external relations, preferably in an international environment

– Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality reporting (both financial and narrative) to external stakeholders, particularly to donors;

– Exceptional written skills in English across a range of formats and for various audiences (social media, general media, programme documents, programme reports);

– Experience in design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of research programmes and strategy;

– Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, process-oriented and mastery of current Office365 software;

– Demonstrable experience with the full Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator;

– Extensive experience with Drupal CMS;

– Proficient IT skills; including facilities with online collaboration tools and social media

– Proven organizational skills and ability to take initiative, prioritize and deliver results in a fast-paced work environment;

– Strong collaboration and team skills with respect for diversity in all its forms

– Passion for the mission of the United Nations and UNU;

Desirable:

– Knowledge of and experience with the Flemish research and political environment is highly desirable

– Thorough understanding of the UN system, intergovernmental processes, and major international agendas is an asset

3) Language Requirements

– Fluency in English is required

– Working knowledge of Dutch is highly desirable

– Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset

Remuneration

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

Duration of contract

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.

Expected start date

February 2025 (tentative)

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

10 November 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

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.

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