Adviser to the Director

United Nations University (UNU) Adviser to the Director
Location New York City, United States
Application deadline 15 April 2018
Contract type Fixed term
Hours Full-time
Salary Commensurate with qualifications and experience
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For the past four decades, the United Nations University (UNU)has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of 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 UNU Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)

UNU’s Centre for Policy Research in New York is an independent think tank within the United Nations system. We combine research excellence with deep knowledge of the multilateral system to generate innovative solutions to current and future global public policy challenges.

This work has been recognised and directly incorporated into key UN reform processes, including the Review by the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO), the Review by the Advisory Group of Experts on the Peacebuilding Architecture, and the process leading up to the World Humanitarian Summit. UNU-CPR is staffed by recognised experts in key areas related to the peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights pillars of the Organisation, with recognised expertise in anti-slavery, anti-trafficking, global drugs policys and migration. Established in 2014 in Tokyo, in July 2018 UNU-CPR will merge with the UNU Office at the United Nations (UNU-ONY) in New York, and operate from New York.

The position

The Adviser to the Director will provide support to the Director of the UNU Centre for Policy Research in New York as well as support several modern slavery/human trafficking projects.

Key roles and responsibilities

Support to the Director: the Adviser will:

  • under the direct supervision of the Director of the New York office, support the smooth coordination and execution of office activities, including through a range of research, writing, and policy convening activities
  • work directly with the Director and Chief Operating Officer to support the representation of UNU and liaison with partners in New York, both through external relations and written outputs
  • support the Director in budget monitoring and oversight, event management, recruitment processes, human resources management, CPR transition, and liaison with external partners, as needed
  • conduct background research, drafts, and edits for policy reports, research briefs, journal and magazine articles, speeches, and project proposals, as the Director and team work to raise the public profile of UNU-CPR’s new presence in New York
  • ensure smooth internal UNU coordination, including by leading coordination of UNU inputs to UN system document

Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking Projects Support – Alliance 8.7 knowledge platform. The Adviser will:

  • work directly with the Project Manager of the Alliance 8.7 knowledge platform to support the implementation of the project, including through research and writing, external stakeholder management, budget monitoring, internal project coordination, donor reporting, and administrative and logistical aspects

Financial Sector Commission Initiative -the Adviser will:

  • under the supervision of the Director of the New York office, assume lead responsibility in developing an 18-month public–private partnership project on the financial sector and modern slavery
  • oversee the execution of the project, including through research and writing, outreach, internal team coordination, stakeholder management and coordination, event management, budget management, donor reporting, and administrative and logistical aspects

Other slavery-related projects- the Adviser will:

  • work closely with the Director on innovative writing, research, and policy convening projects related to human trafficking and modern slavery, as needed

Experience and skills

Required qualifications and experience include:

  • an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in history, public policy, political science, law, international development, anthropology, or a related field
  • at least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, international relations, political affairs, or business administration
  • excellent research skills and demonstrated knowledge of modern slavery and human trafficking policy matters
  • knowledge of and strong networks within UN institutions
  • superior inter-personal skills
  • proven excellence in writing, editing, and communication
  • the ability to interact with colleagues and others of diverse cultural backgrounds
  • relevant experience in liaising with Member States, and direct work experience within the UN would be an additional advantage
  • fluency in English (fluency in at least one other official language of the United Nations is desirable)
  • fluency in German strongly preferred
  • excellent team player with ability to work in a multicultural environment, with demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender

UNU is committed to building a pluralistic and culturally diverse personnel. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Other relevant information

The successful candidate shall work under a Personnel Services Agreement (PSA) for a fixed period of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. The combined duration of appointments under PSA shall not exceed six (6) years.

The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.