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 UN University Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA)
UNU-INRA is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INRA aims to bridge the gap between science and natural resource management policies in Africa and to contribute to Africaโs sustainable development in a way that maintains the quality of the natural environment and transforms lives. To this end, the Institute engages in interdisciplinary research and capacity building on the development, management and governance of Africaโs renewable and non-renewable natural resources as well as on the green economy. The Institute operates from its main office in Accra, Ghana and carries out some of its programme activities through a network of Operating Units and Research Associates across the continent. For more information, please visit https://unu.edu/inra.
Responsibilities
The Director reports to the Rector of the United Nations University and has overall responsibility for the organization and management of UNU-INRA and its programmes. The preferred candidateโs profile should lend UNU-INRA the necessary stature in the international scholarly community, ensure scientific excellence through internal quality control and provide leadership and guidance for UNU-INRA activities.
The Director develops and manages national, continental and international partnerships and negotiations; overseas the finance, operations, and management of UNU-INRA; and implements the strategy within the broader context of the UNU strategic objectives.
UNU is looking for a dynamic individual with a strong academic and management background who can recruit, lead and manage a diverse team of experts; build and strengthen partnerships with think tanks, universities, the private sector, and other parts of the UN system; and produce world-class, policy-relevant analyses, convene critical dialogues and support capacity strengthening.
1. Leadership and strategic management
Serve as the Chief Academic and Administrative officer of the institute with overall responsibility for the direction, organisation, administration, and programming of UNU-INRA, in accordance with the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the International Advisory Committee;
Manage, hire and supervise personnel, promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality;
Manage the Instituteโs budget, including reporting requirements to donors and within the UNU system; and
Lead relations with the host country (Ghana), donors, and other key stakeholders.
2. Resource mobilization
Strengthen the Instituteโs resource mobilisation strategy to secure funding;
Manage donor relations and networks, including resource mobilisation activities for the Instituteโs research programmes; and
Coach researchers in preparing successful proposals and in engaging with research partners and donors.
3. Research programme implementation and oversight
Lead a policy and impact-driven programme of substantive research, capacity-building, and knowledge translation regarding natural sciences, engineering or economics, related to natural resources, agriculture, or other relevant fields;
Oversee the implementation of research programmes; and
Ensure that research outputs are high quality and policy-relevant and that recommendations are channeled effectively to the UN system, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
4. Represent UNU-INRA and establish strategic partnerships
Establish and maintain relationships with the UN system, the host and other governments, local, regional, national and international partners, donors, and other stakeholders to achieve collaboration on programme development, implementation, and resource mobilization;
Strengthen and expand scientific partnerships and networks with relevant institutions, including major UN stakeholders, think tanks, research organisations, and academic networks internal and external to UNU; and
Draw on UNUโs convening power and represent UNU-INRA in national, continental, and global fora to raise the Instituteโs visibility, presence, and impact.
5. Knowledge sharing and collaboration
Facilitate the dissemination and translation of the Instituteโs knowledge products to key stakeholders and the public;
Co-ordinate UNU-INRAโs work programme with other UN and UNU activities and institutions in different parts of the world; and
Support the Rector and the UNU system, including participation in the Conference of Directors of UNU institutes and system-wide initiatives.
6. Perform other duties in support of the Institute and UNU system, as requested by the Rector
Key performance indicators
UNU-INRA is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by donors, governments, research partners, civil society, and the UN System.
The Institute records increased and sustainable donor support from diversified funding sources and nurtures excellent donor relationships.
UNU-INRA implements a high-quality programme, including delivering research outputs, capacity-building activities, and events.
A high level of academic excellence is guaranteed in all the Instituteโs activities through internal quality control and guidance for academic activities.
The Institute is managed effectively and efficiently according to the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the International Advisory Committee.
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
A doctoral qualification in natural sciences, engineering, or economics, related to natural resources, agriculture, or other relevant fields;
2) Required skills and experience
At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience natural sciences, engineering, or economics, related to natural resources, agriculture, or other relevant fields, with demonstrable leadership and management experience;
Strong fundraising skills and demonstrable success in securing support from multiple funders;
The capacity to formulate and articulate a shared vision for the institution, to persuade a wide range of audiences of its value, and to engage others in its implementation;
A strong background of research and publications in areas related to natural sciences, engineering, or economics, related to natural resources, agriculture, or other relevant fields, preferably with high citation rate;
A track record of developing policy-relevant research initiatives which can contribute to policymaking at the local, regional, national and international levels; and of engagement with policymakers and/or policy processes;
Demonstrated experience in sound financial and human resource management;
Strong fundraising skills and demonstrable success in securing support from multiple funders;
The ability to articulate a compelling funding strategy for future work programmes in a funding environment undergoing rapid change;
The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse cultural backgrounds and with political representatives and communities in both developed and developing countries;
Proven commitment to issues of human development;
Demonstrated understanding of gender and diversity issues and commitment to the UN principles and ideals;
Knowledge of the UN system is an asset.
3) Language Requirements
Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English;
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/payandbenefits
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. For UNU Institute Director positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed eight (8) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Starting Date
1 September 2026
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
28 February 2026
Submissions must be received by mid-night Central European Time (CET) 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
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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