United Nations 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. 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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

The Communications and Project Assistant performs a wide range of communications and project/programme support tasks related to the UNU-WIDER portfolio (projects and/or programmes) in Mozambique.

1. Supports the achievement of the knowledge mobilization goals of the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Writes promotional copy in English and Portuguese for use in different dissemination channels, including UNU-WIDER project/programme website, social media, and email; proofreads and edits Portuguese documents into institutional format ensuring accuracy and consistency of language.
• Ensures the timely management of the social media and web presence of the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique, especially in the management of the related YouTube and Flickr accounts.
• Assists in the production of research translation and dissemination products including research and policy briefs, blurbs, news pieces, web articles, event reports and invitations, bulk mailings, social media items etc. in English and Portuguese.
• Maintains a Mozambique-specific media list, stakeholder contact list, information databases, and other team data.
• Assists in the monitoring, reviewing and recording media coverage of UNU-WIDER and its research in Mozambique on a regular basis.
• Assists in the smooth communication and coordination on knowledge mobilization between with the rest of the Knowledge Mobilization Unit and presence of UNU-WIDER activities and research in Mozambique in UNU-WIDER channels.

2. Supports the organization of online and face-to-face events and trainings under the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Assists in the organization of assigned project/programme events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, press briefings, interviews, etc., by producing associated communication and dissemination components.
• Planning and implementing related visual components and digital products, in coordination with local partners and stakeholders as well as key internal stakeholders (Knowledge Mobilization Unit).
• Acts as communication focal point for assigned events.
• Supports in the organization of assigned project/programme events and trainings in terms of procurement, logistics and documentation, in coordination with local partners and stakeholders and key internal stakeholders (Procurement, Finance, and other UNU-WIDER support units).

3. Supports in project planning, implementation, and monitoring in Mozambique

• Supports supervisor in coordination of project/programme planning, implementation, and monitoring work; identifies inconsistencies and brings them to the attention of supervisor.
• Analyzes and interprets rules and regulations of UNU and assists in providing solutions to issues related to finance, logistics and day-to-day administrative activities.

4. Assist in preparing reports for UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Supports in various reporting tasks, including producing basic background and summary documents using appropriate technology/software and generating a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases.
• Monitors basic budgets and expenditures and prepares project expenditure and budget status reports when requested.
• Supports project/programme reporting to relevant internal and external stakeholders and their operational closure.

5. Provides administrative support to the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Provides secretarial, administrative, logistics and travel support as required and ensures that project related records are properly maintained.
• Liaises on administrative coordination of project/programme implementation between internal and external project/programme leaders/participants and administrative/finance/communications personnel.
• Plans procurement needs and prepares needed documents for goods and services.
• Prepares contract requests, monitors project/programme contracts, and coordinates with the consultants and service providers engaged by the projects.
• Updates and maintains relevant websites and internal databases.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely delivery of project/programme research translation, dissemination, and promotional outputs.
• Quality contribution to increasing UNU-WIDER and project/programme visibility in Mozambique through various outreach channels.
• Timely and quality administrative, logistical, and programmatic support to UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique.
• Maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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

• Completion of Secondary Education is required.
  OR
  Bachelor’s Degree in in business administration, social sciences, communications, or related field.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least three (3) years of relevant work experience for bachelor’s degree holder or five (5) years of relevant work experience for a high school diploma holder, preferably in an international organization.
• Demonstrated ability to support the planning, monitoring, and implementation of projects.
• Understands key development and economic issues, in particular in the Mozambican context, and demonstrable skills in translating these for a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage; knowledge and previous experience of working in international development organizations would be an asset.
• Good command of MS Office, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (preferably Oracle/PeopleSoft) and/or of a Content Management System (Drupal or other) and database tools is an asset.
• Working skills in graphic design and experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) is an advantage.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience.
• Ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines.
• Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

3) Language Requirements:

• Excellent command of English and Portuguese language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual gross salary of USD 24,379.00, 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

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.

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

Application Deadline

23 February 2025

Submissions must be received by 23:59, Helsinki time (UTC+2) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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

The position is subject to local recruitment and limited to persons who are a citizen of Mozambique or a permanent resident with a work permit for Mozambique. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector’s authority and 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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