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
About the Institute
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 14 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 guidance and the overall supervisor of the Senior Researcher, the successful candidate will be conducting the following tasks:
Research
Contribute to defining computational architectures to simulate and contextualize human behavior, using agent-based modeling (ABM) and reinforcement learning (RL) techniques, based on conceptual frameworks in social psychology, social science and the inputs of local communities.
Participate in developing and adapting reinforcement learning algorithms to operate in high-dimensional and partially observable multi-agent environments. Apply deep learning (DL) techniques, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs).
Contribute in building (code) a novel interactive, agent-based model platform (or customize an existing one) to better support the simulation of social / environmental policy making.
Participate in delivering and presenting high-impact papers in top-tier AI conferences and workshops, building bridges with, from and for the Global South.
Implement use cases that inform policy making for social / environmental challenges in contextualized scenarios.
Assist in evaluating regional (and global) LLMs to interact with agents (citizens) in the simulation. Integrate an interface between the agent-based model and existing mainstream and regional LLMs.
Adhere to best practices in software engineering, such as thorough documentation, comprehensive unit testing, regular code reviews, and strict coding standards, to ensure re-usability and maintainability.
2. Capacity building
Participate in developing and delivering capacity building workshops, courses, and lectures in the researcherโs area of expertise.
Assist in developing and delivering capacity building curricula within the researcherโs areas of expertise to a diversity of audiences, including academia, non-profits, government officials and industry.
Contribute in facilitating workshops and seminars with learners from diverse backgrounds.
Participate in leading and mentoring research interns when applicable.
3. Definition and implementation of research projects
Contribute to defining and submitting research projects, within fellowโs area of expertise, in collaboration with external partners.
Participate in the timely delivery of the expected research outputs (within his / her area of research expertise).
Assist meeting the requirements of the Ethical Review Board (ERB) before data collection.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and the Institute management.
Key Performance Indicators
Contribute to the development and implementation of an agent-based model technical platform that supports social policy making simulations.
Deliver timely and quality research publications in top-tier conferences or journals.
Contribute to the design, submission and implementation of research projects and to the obtention of research funds.
Participate in the design and implementation capacity building activities.
Participate in the organization of research events (including workshops, panels, conferences) with, from and for the Global South.
Represent UNU Macau in public research events and outreach activities.
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
Education and certifications:
Candidates should have completed or submitted for examination their PhD in any area of computer science, Artificial Intelligence, software or development engineering or another relevant field.
Experience and other requirements:
Required:
Track record of strong programming skills (including Python and / or Julia) to lead the development of an agent-based modeling platform (provide evidence such as open-source on GitHub to showcase participation in software development in ABM platform).
Track record of excellent academic publications, with special focus in agent-based modeling (ABM), contributing to the AI state of the art while solving human and environmental development challenges.
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work with a diversity of stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Passion for the mission of the United Nations and enthusiasm to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
A strong proactive and self-driven focus with a willingness to learn, be open-minded, and pursue research and learning goals.
Selected candidate is required to reside full-time in Macau. This is not a remote position.
Desirable:
Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including public, private, non-profit and intergovernmental organizations.
Experience in working a multi-disciplinary research team.
Experience working in or with the United Nations system is an asset
Language requirements:
Strong communication, presentation and writing skills in English.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary from USD$36,000-$39,500 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU Macau will cover the cost of travel of the international appointee (non-Macanese residents) to Macau SAR at initial appointment, as well as at their return to home country/point of hire upon final completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function of the appointee will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working-from-remote arrangements.
International appointee is also eligible to apply for tax-exempted monthly rental subsidy up to MOP$10,000 shall they relocate to Macau full-time, and undertake housing arrangements in Macau, excluding working-from-remote arrangements.
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 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
20 July, 2025
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
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.
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 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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