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, for the past four decades. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 SDGs, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Centre: UN University’s Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) 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. The Centre currently has four programme areas: (i) Preventing Violent Conflict; (ii) Digital Technology and Global Order; (iii) Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking; and (iv) The Future of Multilateralism.
The role
The Director provides strategic leadership and management of UNU-CPR programmes, representing UNU in New York.
Key roles and responsibilities
The Director is the chief research and administrative officer of UNU-CPR and has overall responsibility for the direction, organization, management, administration and programmes of the Centre, under the direction of the UNU Rector.
Experience and skills
The Director should have qualifications that lend to UNU-CPR the necessary credibility in the international policy community and provide leadership and quality control in the conduct of UNU-CPR activities.
A master’s degree or doctoral qualification in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, or International Development. Knowledge of and experience in the think-tank world. Detailed knowledge of the UN and of its functions and activities. Strong international research background and publications. Expertise related to policy research, knowledge translation and research communication. A proven record of effective policy thought leadership. Strong and demonstrable international fundraising skills. Sound financial and human resource management skills. Gender, cultural and political sensitivity.
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in another other official UN language is desirable.
Other relevant information
This is a Director Level (D1) position and carries the standard set of entitlements and benefits of an internationally recruited UN staff position including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible children, removal expenses and home leave. These entitlements also include 30 days of annual leave plus national and UN designated holidays in their duty station.