Job description
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 Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
UNU-CPR is one of 13 research and training institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. 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. More information about its work is available at: https://unu.edu/cpr
Responsibilities
This position will be based in New York and report to the Head of Communications at UNU-CPR. Key responsibilities are:
Publication processes
Editing a range of knowledge products to align with UN editorial guidelines and ensure content is clear, legible and grammatically correct.
Providing basic layouts for briefs, brochures and other knowledge products using canva, Indesign or other similar platforms.
Maintaining the UNU information repository: uploading publications, writing summaries and providing relevant data to enhance accessibility.
Digital communications
Regularly writing engaging social media posts across different platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X) that target core audiences and demonstrate the impact and value of UNU-CPRโs research and policy solutions.
Continually exploring new techniques and assets across all social media platforms to expand reach and enhance engagement with core audiences.
Publishing engaging content on the CPR website โ highlighting CPRโs research and impact including through blogs, news articles and summaries of new projects and publications.
Regularly producing and disseminating CPR newsletters and research updates to institute mailing list via email distribution platform; manage mailing list.
Events coordination
Help with the planning and organization of UNU-CPR events, including invitations, branding and logistics.
Provide communication support: layout of flyers, promotion of events online and across social media platforms, capturing discussions via blogs and audio-visual products and promoting outcomes online and across social media platforms.
Audio-visual products
Regularly producing and editing short videos for dissemination online and across all social media platforms.
Recording, editing and disseminating UNU-CPRโs podcast, Multilateralism UNpacked.
Continually exploring new ideas to develop and disseminate audio-visual products targeting CPRโs core audiences.
Communications strategy
Supporting communication strategies tailored to CPRโs core audiences and aligned with relevant policy processes, events and initiatives, within the UN and beyond.
Continually monitoring the impact and reach of UNU-CPR communications and using this intelligence to adjust existing approaches or develop new approaches.
Maintaining a calendar to keep track of UN policy processes, major events and initiatives to help ensure UNU-CPR communications and outreach is targeted and responsive to new developments.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
Timely delivery of high-quality knowledge products and online and audio-visual content.
Measurable increase in outreach and engagement with core audiences.
Regular and accurate maintenance of publication repository, planning documents and other resources.
Attention to detail: applying writing and editing skills to ensure research is conveyed clearly, concisely and accurately.
Position UNU-CPR as a reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.
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
Bachelorโs degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, development, international relations or other relevant subject.
2) Required skills and experience
At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in communications or journalism.
Knowledge of international relations, development, UN system, etc.
Experience in digital communications, audio-visual content, social media, media relations and publication processes, including writing and editing and translating research into clear, more concise content.
Experience with web content management systems (drupal), social media platforms, canva and other design platforms.
Experience in providing communications support at events.
Other Desirable Skills: sound political judgement, knowledge of the United Nations system and UN policy processes.
3) Language Requirements:
Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English
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 net salary in the range of USD 70,000 - USD75,139, 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 12 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
Early January 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
Wednesday 26 November 2025
Submissions must be received by 12pm NY time 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 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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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