The Development Equities Programme at UNU-CPR focuses on interventions and insights that will improve access to essential services and resources, help secure rights for marginalised peoples, and address socioeconomic inequalities that may be exacerbated by rapid and disruptive changes from markets, demographics, technologies, migrations, and environmental change. The projects designed in the Development Equities Programme will take account of emerging trends and provide policy insights, supported by data, multistakeholder partnerships, and perspectives from global and local policymaking contexts. The programme will draw on insights and methodologies from a broad range of disciplines—economics, law, politics, among others—and pay particular attention to marginalised and vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, women, youth, indigenous peoples and individuals affected by human trafficking and modern slavery.
The role
The Development Equities Programme is a newly formed cluster of projects at the UNU Centre for Policy Research that provides bespoke policy research for senior UN policymakers as well as large, multi-year and multi-stakeholder initiatives. The Head, Development Equities Programme is a senior policy and/or research leader who will strengthen existing projects and launch complementary initiatives in these areas.
This position offers significant scope for innovation and partnership. Working with the UNU-CPR team and across the institutes of the United Nations University, the Head of the Development Equities Programme will bring intellectual leadership, creative drive, and a commitment to working with and within the United Nations to strengthen the evidence base and policy options available the Organisation and its Member States.
Key roles and responsibilities
The Head of the Development Equities Programme will report to the Director of Programmes and the Executive Director and will be expected to:
- Define an impactful work programme that builds on your expertise and network, and across UNU-CPR projects
- Fundraise to support the financial sustainability of this pillar
- Direct, produce and strategically disseminate targeted research, analysis, and commentary for UNU-CPR stakeholders
- Support management at UNU-CPR
- Support requests from UNU Headquarters
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors
Experience and skills
- a PhD in a relevant academic discipline, including but not limited to, law, political science, economics, international relations, international development, migration, human rights, or public policy is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience and a strong publication record in a relevant field may be accepted in lieu of a PhD
- at least 10 years of relevant policy research experience with a PhD (12 years with a Master’s degree), or a combination of field and research experience
- extensive knowledge of the United Nations, its principal agencies and bodies, as well as programmes and field operations in your area of expertise, ideally covering one or more of the following themes: development, political economy, human rights, labour rights, humanitarian assistance, and/or human mobility
- recent academic literature, public opinion, and political currents related to these themes will be familiar and accessible through your networks
- demonstrated experience in translating empirical research findings into practical policy guidance for senior UN and government actors
- familiarity with and, ideally, experience of UN-Member State dynamics
- experience in field settings and/or with human subjects is especially helpful
- fluency in English required and an excellent writer capable of producing rigorous, accessible reports and of mentoring staff to deliver written products of the highest quality
experience communicating research ideas and research findings in clear and compelling ways for diverse audiences in both closed door and large public forums - demonstrated success in fundraising and in managing donor relations
- over the course of your career, you will have mobilised resources to support research and dissemination activities in support of your own work and the work carried out by teams under your supervision
- self-direction and the ability to establish priorities, and report work activities in a timely and proactive manner, and work within tight timelines
- comfort with a range of statistical analysis methods, data analysis and other research methodologies
- solid interpersonal and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, equality and gender parity
- knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset
Other useful information
The duration of the initial contract is one (1) year, however subsequent renewals may be longer. 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 on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA is 65 years.
The successful candidate will be based in New York and may initially start remotely.