Job description
About UN 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
About Institute (UNU-CPR)
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York and operates a satellite office in Geneva, Switzerland.
UNU-CPRโs core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic interest and importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centreโs work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination. For more information, please visit https://unu.edu/cpr
Responsibilities
This position fills a critical role in the UNU-CPR Anticipatory Action and Innovation pillar, which focuses on AI, data and emerging technology governance. Under the supervision of the Head of Pillar, 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 analysis, and other sources
Produce first drafts of high-quality policy reports and publications, identifying the implications for the multilateral system and options for policymakers
Support the finalization and publication of UNU-CPRโs research products
2. Coordination and representation
Engage with UN offices, agencies, and funds and programmes, member states and experts in relation to digital and emerging technology governance
Organise workshops and panels showcasing important themes in AI governance, such as robotics, AI and work, and AI and climate
Participate in training of diplomats, follow and report on technology policy processes, and network with stakeholders of the UN
3. Strategic planning and project development
Support the development of the Pillarโs future direction and funding sources
Identify key questions in emerging technology governance
Support the Head of Pillar in the development of fundraising materials, reporting and preparation of meetings
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key performance indicators
Timely and high-quality research and writing
Professional engagement with partners and stakeholders
Regular and clear updates on research progress
Demonstrated willingness to learn new skills and research
Contributes to the reputation of the research pillar and UNU CPR as a key partner for emerging technology research
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ 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 โ 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 โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ 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 โ 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 โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Master's degree in Public Policy, International Affairs, Data Science or other relevant social sciences
An AI certification is desirable and would be considered an advantage
2) Required skills and experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in research and writing, preferably on relevant matters to this position including AI, data, emerging technology policy or related areas, is required
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 our response to global challenges
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in spoken and written English is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual salary in the range of USD 72,000 to USD88,000, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 6-months. 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 holders is 65 years.
Starting Date
September 2025
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
1 August 2025
Submissions must be received by 12pm New York time on 1 August 2025; 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 โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor โofficialsโ 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.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
or