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 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
The Training & Educational Officer is expected to lead the design, development, delivery and evaluation of the training, education and degree programs, in collaboration with internal and external partners. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of the Institute, the appointee will lead a small team and be entrusted with the following tasks:
Research and analyze the learning needs of potential audiences
Lead learning needs assessments among potential audiences, such as university students, policy makers, technology community and UN entities to identify learning gaps and the potential added value of UNU Macauโs training offers.
Identify potential donors, and explore funding opportunities for education and training activities.
Develop training offers/catalogue including both online and offline offers; customize training plans for each clients, and make training proposals accordingly to ensure that the training offers meet clientsโ needs, and the programme developed will be funded.
2. Develop training and education programmes in collaboration with internal and external partners
Design learning programmes based on learning needs of clients; use educational technology (e.g. AI) to enhance learning outcomes of both online and face-to-face programmes.
Identify trainers/facilitators from the Institute, UNU, UNU Global AI Network, and associated partners, based on the design of the programme.
Design diverse learning activities to engage learners and enhance learning outcomes, including but not limited to task-based learning, problem-based learning, simulations, peer exchange, hackathons etc.
Conduct evaluations at various points of the learning programmes and use the collected data to inform future programme design.
3. Coordinate Instituteโs contributions with the degree programmes in the UNU hubs
UNU hubs are initiatives where UNU Institutes collaborate with universities on research, degree programmes and conferences/events. The incumbent will facilitate and coordinate with internal research resources and propose how the institute can contribute to the university programmes. Some formats include but may not be limited to:
Contribute to the degree programmes by offering a collective course, given the limited capacity of the Institute
Contribute to the curriculum design of the university degree programmes to ensure that the programmes are endowed with UN values, such as focusing on the global south, SDGs, and leaving no one behind.
Co-develop degree programmes with hub university (which is harder); identify how UNU Master and Doctoral degrees can be recognized by the local ministry of education; facilitate and participate in the discussions related to curriculum design, student recruitment, fundraising for the programmes.
4. Ensure financial sustainability of the learning programmes
Maintain an ecosystem of partners related to learning and education, such as UN system entities, policy makers in governments, universities, private sector and others.
Regularly explore opportunities to offer training to the partners; develop financial plan of the training proposals and negotiate fees with partners.
Identify donors who can support the training programmes, especially the participation of students from the global south.
5. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Institute Management
Key performance indicators
Timely and quality development and implementation of the educational programmes and/or contributions to the hub degree programmes .
Timely and quality development and implementation of the Instituteโs educational strategy, Timely and effective project management and fundraising results.
Good partnership building skills, engaging an ecosystem of internal and external partners. UNU Macau is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.
Performance of research team personnel; produces quality knowledge products.
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 certification
Masterโs degree in education, international affairs, business administration, economics, psychology, development studies, public policy; information system, computer science, AI or a related fields.
Doctoral Degree is a great asset.
Required skills and experience
Required:
At least five (5) years of full-time experience in training, educational programme design, development, delivery and evaluation; previous experience in higher education institutions, training organizations, corporate learning, governments' education sector, or UN organizations training field Experience with partnership building.
Proven skills in fundraising for educational programmes.
Experience in programme marketing, promotion and contracting.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Fluency in Generative AI tools are an asset.
Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with high level stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task work with minimal supervision, within tight deadlines, with a high level of resilience. A keen eye for details and problem-solving abilities.
Good managerial skills to empower a team for good performance.
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.
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
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English; with strong communication and presentation skills, along with excellent drafting skills.
Fluency in Chinese is a great asset.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package (at IP-P3 level) 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
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
27 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
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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