Research Associate

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Job Description

United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is a think tank within the United Nations that carries out policy-focused research and capacity building on issues of strategic interest and importance to the UN and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions oriented toward immediate implementation and sustainability over the long term. In June 2022, UNU-CPR established an office in Geneva, with the generous support of the Government of Switzerland, to help expand the Centre’s support across the UN system, collaborate with the full range of policy actors in International Geneva, and help bridge the policy ecosystems in Geneva and New York.
UNU-CPR’s core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centre’s work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination.

Research Associate

The Research Associate position offers a unique opportunity to engage in substantive research and link scientific and scholarly communities to policymaking in the multilateral system. It is located in a relatively new UN University presence in Geneva, so will include strategic-level work on developing new research agendas, and helping to build new partnerships in Geneva. Candidates with experience in developing policy-relevant research and with a desire to improve global governance in a dynamic and innovative manner are encouraged.

Responsibilities

The core of this position is to generate policy-relevant research and advice for the UNU-CPR Geneva Office and its partners, in line with its priority areas of human rights, peace and security, environment, science and technology, and improving global governance to address new and emerging risks.

Under the supervision of the Head of Office, the Research Associate will be responsible for:

Research and writing

Conduct empirical research on relevant topics, including through literature reviews, expert interviews, qualitative and quantitative data, and other sources;
Produce first drafts of high-quality policy reports and publications, identifying the implications for the multilateral system and options for policymakers;
Incorporate key methodologies and approaches into research (e.g. behavioural science, foresight);
Support the finalization and publication of UNU-CPR’s research products.

Coordination and representation

Engage with scholars, scientists, and experts to ensure research is well-informed and positioned to impact the multilateral system;
Represent UNU-CPR in key forums in Geneva and beyond;
Help to build the reputation of UNU-CPR as a trusted and dynamic partner to the UN system and other stakeholders, including Member States.

Strategic planning and project development

Support the development of future plans for the Geneva Office of UNU-CPR;
Develop new research programming, in consultation with relevant partners;
Support the Geneva Office’s engagement with stakeholders, including through event planning and coordination.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators
Timely and high-quality research and writing;
Professional engagement with partners and stakeholders;
Regular and clear updates on research progress;
Demonstrated willingness to learn new skills and research approaches (e.g. behavioural science, methods of foresight);
Contributes to the reputation of the Geneva Office as a reliable, trustworthy, and dynamic actor in the policy ecosystem of Geneva and beyond.

Competencies

Values:

Inclusion – 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 – 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 – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and Plan – 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 – 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 – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

Education and certification

Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Policy, International Affairs, Data Science or other relevant social sciences

Required skills and experience

At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience research and writing, preferably on relevant matters to this position;
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods;
Experience in developing policy advice and/or policymaking;
Demonstrated track record of excellent writing, editing, and publications;
Experience in stakeholder engagement, including in event organisation;
Previous work experience in a UN entity or other international organisation is an advantage;
A demonstrated commitment to innovative, impactful ways to improve our response to global challenges.

Language Requirements: