United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU’s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)

UNU-INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area, Canada), is one of 14 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people. UNU-INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.

Responsibilities

Contingent upon the level of appointment, the incumbent is expected to:

1. Partnerships and Collaborations

• Coordinate the work and activities of the UNU Hubs led by UNU-INWEH to facilitate collaboration among THEM, in collaboration with the Hub Executive Directors and other relevant actors.

• Serve as liaison with the host Government and the City of Richmond Hill to coordinate and enhance partnerships in Canada in collaboration with the UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.

• Provide input into ongoing workstream considering host government interests and priorities to cultivate partnerships with leading universities and institutes in Canada.

• Assist in developing contracts with partners, consultants, and contractors, and supporting the implementation of these contracts to ensure timely and effective completion of tasks and disbursement of funds, where applicable.

• Provide administrative support across relevant UNU-INWEH projects and programs, working with the Office of the Director to enhance collaboration and ensure timely, effective outcomes.

• Represents and supports the Director in meetings and events in Canada and globally, as needed in collaboration with the UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.

2. Research

• Contribute to UNU-INWEH’s policy-relevant research initiatives and publications on water, environment, and health

• Engage with individual researchers, interdisciplinary teams, and UNU Hubs to identify synergies and foster research collaboration across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.

• Stay at the forefront of innovative solutions, providing strategic guidance to advance UNU-INWEH’s research and supporting researchers in effectively disseminating their work at the national level and through partner institutions.

• Provide technical expertise to support UNU-INWEH’s strategic programs and projects, in collaboration with UNU-INWEH researchers and experts.

3. Capacity and Education Development

• Develop and deliver capacity and education development initiatives, including seminars and training programs, to enhance the visibility and impact of UNU-INWEH, in collaboration with UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.

• Contribute to capacity building initiatives through curriculum development and teaching in UNU-INWEH programs; and attracting and supervising interns and externs, students (including post-graduate students), and young researchers, as required.
• Coordinate student associations led by UNU Hubs as well as advising students and early-career researchers taking part in various UNU-INWEH initiatives.

4. Knowledge sharing and fundraising

• Contribute to fundraising activities of the institute, including the development of cross-thematic and interdisciplinary proposals in collaboration with other program leaders at UNU-INWEH as well as in partnership with UNU Hubs and other institutions and professionals.

• Coordinate UNU-INWEH efforts towards reporting to the donors, annual reports, institute’s performance review and impact assessment in coordination with the Office of the Director.

• Contribute to the development of grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations, and related materials, as required.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and the UNU-INWEH’s Director.

Key Performance Indicators

• High-quality implementation of assigned tasks and services against specific timelines.

• Timely and quality contribution to assigned research products, advocacy campaigns, capacity development materials.

• Active engagement with UNU-INWEH’s researchers, consultants, and partners as well as with external collaborators and stakeholders, where required.

• Contribute to the Institute’s strategic plan development and implementation

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

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in a relevant academic field related to water, climate change, environment, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity or health is required for this position.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least three (3) years of post-master’s degree work experience in the fields of water, environment and/or health

• At least one (1) year of work/research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  1. Environmental governance and policy
  2. Integrated water resources management
  3. Rural development
  4. Sustainability transitions and innovations
  5. WASH and public health
  6. Disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response
• Ability to coordinate and liaise with partners and to represent the institute in a diplomatic and professional manner.
• Result-oriented, self-motivated, and “hands-on” with the ability to prioritize work and do multi-tasking.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Excellent writing, research, presentation, and networking skills.
• Familiarity with policy-oriented research and prior experience in project management (administration and financial aspects) are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in team-based research, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches.
• Ability to independently manage projects and interact with a large group of stakeholders.
• Prior experience of conducting research or fieldwork in the Global South.
• Experience working in the Canadian space and familiarity with the local context will be an asset.
• Prior UN work experience or experience of interacting with intergovernmental/governmental/non-government agencies and donors is highly desirable.
• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the subject areas relevant to the activities of UNU-INWEH is highly desirable.
• Prior record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact and interdisciplinary journals is required.
• Prior record of fundraising and securing grants for projects is desired.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of other UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a tax-exempt salary commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

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

31 March 2025

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EDT Time-Zone 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

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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