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 the Institute
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is dedicated to research, training, and education on digital technologies for sustainable development. It promotes evidence-based actions and policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNU Macau is located in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the only UN entity in the city. Situated within the Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, UNU Macau benefits from its proximity not only to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR but also to many other Asian countries, offering unique opportunities for researchers and experts to maximize research impact. For more information, visit macau.unu.edu.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Institute Director, the Head of Research is responsible for invigorating and expanding the Instituteโs research programmes. The role encompasses the following core responsibilities:
1. Build and lead a high-quality research team
Align team objectives with the strategic priorities of UNU and the Institute by identifying key research areas.
Collaborate with Senior Researchers to define performance goals and KPIs (e.g. annual publication targets, fundraising benchmarks and research achievements..etc) for the Institute, as well as for the individual researchers.
Monitor progress toward institutional benchmarks. Implementing corrective actions as needed.
Conduct performance evaluations to foster accountability and growth.
Manage travel and requisition budget and approve requests based on strategic relevance and value to Instituteโs priorities.
Design career development plans for research team staff.
2. Drive research fundraising strategies
Develop research team fundraising strategies with the team. Lead the fundraising efforts.
Guide and supervise the project teams in setting realistic funding goals and identifying viable pathways to achieve them.
Manage funded project activities and monitor progress on project development and submissions, progress reports, financial statements to ensure compliance with donor requirements
Select and recommend suitable donors aligned with the Instituteโs research mission and portfolio.
Support grant proposal development to improve approval rates and increase external funding. Provide actionable feedback to enhance fundraising outcomes.
3. Uphold research excellency in research assurance and increase the Instituteโs visibility
Provide inputs and review mechanisms on research design, implementation, outputs and deliverables.
Ensure academic rigor and credibility in all research outputs.
Advise and monitor publication targets, conference participation, and dissemination strategies.
Enhance the policy relevance of research at UN, regional, and national levels.
Promote and ensure a culture of research integrity, ethics, and transparency.
Showcase the Instituteโs research and achievements through different channels such as, but not limited to, publications, scientific meetings or conference, and global forums.
Strengthen the Instituteโs presence by actively engaging in professional and academic networks.
4. Support Director in developing and implementing Institute strategic plans and support additional management functions of the Institute
Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Instituteโs strategic and implementation plans (e.g. for year 2026-2030) outlining the Instituteโs 5-year vision and research trajectory.
Drive implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and stakeholder expectations.
Organize regular research meetings and lead interdisciplinary discussions and brainstorm sessions
Participate in the Institute Advisory Board meetings.
Undertake additional responsibilities of leadership of the Institute. Act as a second Certifying Officer of the Institute.
5. Individual research and fundraising responsibility
Conduct high-impact research that exemplifies academic excellence.
Pursue policy influence within the UN and at global, regional, and national levels.
Secure external funding and lead multi-disciplinary research projects
Support collaboration and partnership with the Instituteโs academic partners or universities.
6. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Institute Management
Key performance indicators
Timely and quality development and implementation of the Instituteโs academic strategy, research programmes, projects and workplan
Timely and quality delivery on Instituteโs operational goals and research outputs
Quality and level of engagement with partners, related networks and working groups
UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
Research personnel achieve their goals and KPIs to produce high-quality research
Timely and quality delivery of curated fundraising opportunities
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
Doctoral degree (PhD) or above in information technology, computer science, information studies, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, data science, development studies or related field.
2) Skills and experience
Required:
Seven (7) years full-time relevant experience post PhD, of progressive experience managing successful academic research programs or research teams consisting of at least five (5) researchers. *Exception can be made for candidates with proven significant work experience with leadership roles held. Candidates with less experience and qualifications than required will be appointed as Senior Academic Officer (FTA-P3).
Extensive history and track record of generating research funding.
Remarkable research experience related to or with the United Nations system.
Experience managing research finance and budget and working with donors.
Good managerial skills to empower a team for good performance.
Proactive skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
Proven effective organization and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and timely with all stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task work with minimal supervision, within tight deadlines, with a high level of resilience.
Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
The post is Macau-based. The selected candidate is required to reside full-time in Macau. This is not a remote position.
Desired:
Contacts and experiences with academic institutions, international scholars, stakeholders and associations of the higher education communities is an advantage.
Previous experience managing a network, either associated with the UN or a professional network
3) Language Requirements
Proficiency in English; with strong communication and presentation skills, along with excellent drafting skills.
Knowledge of other UN official working language(s) is an asset.
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/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Starting Date
2026, 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 organizations);
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
18 January 2026
Submissions must be received by 11:59pm, Macau time zone GMT +8; late entries will not be accepted.
** Application page no longer operational beyond application deadline.
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.
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