Showcase your research skills by joining United Nations University as a Research Associate

Ednah Carrick October 27, 2024

0 414 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 8 November 2024

Showcase your research skills by joining United Nations University as a Research Associate

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.

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)

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.

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

The core of this position is to generate policy-oriented 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

Conduct empirical research on relevant topics, including through literature reviews, expert interviews, qualitative and quantitative data, and other sources;
Produce first drafts of high-quality policy reports and publications, identifying the implications for the multilateral system and options for policymakers;
Incorporate key methodologies and approaches into research (e.g. behavioural science, foresight);
Support the finalization and publication of UNU-CPR’s research products.

2. Coordination and representation

Engage with scholars, scientists, and experts to ensure research is well-informed and positioned to impact the multilateral system;
Represent UNU-CPR in key forums in Geneva and beyond;
Help to build the reputation of UNU-CPR as a trusted and dynamic partner to the UN system and other stakeholders, including Member States.

3.Strategic planning and project development

Support the development of future plans for the Geneva Office of UNU-CPR;
Develop new research programming, in consultation with relevant partners;
Support the Geneva Office’s engagement with stakeholders, including through event planning and coordination.

4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Policy, International Affairs, Data Science or other relevant social sciences

2) Required skills and experience

At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience research and writing, preferably on relevant matters to this position;
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods;
Experience in developing policy advice and/or policymaking;
Demonstrated track record of excellent writing, editing, and publications;
Experience in stakeholder engagement, including in event organisation;
Previous work experience in a UN entity or other international organisation is an advantage;
A demonstrated commitment to innovative, impactful ways to improve UNU response to global challenges.

3) Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.
Fluency in French is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

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.

Renumeration

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.