Consultant: Office and Events Manager

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

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

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York with an office in Geneva, Switzerland.

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.

More information about its work is available here: https://unu.edu/cpr

Position Overview

UNU-CPR is seeking an Office and Events Manager to support the effective functioning and growing programme of its Geneva office.

This position will be physically located in Geneva, but will also be part of the UNU-CPR Operations team based in New York. Working closely with the Chief of Operations, the Head of the Geneva Office, and the Geneva-based team, the Office and Events Manager will play a central role in coordinating the office’s day-to-day operations, supporting project management, and helping deliver a diverse programme of events and engagements with policy communities in Geneva and beyond. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of research, international policy and multilateral diplomacy, while contributing to the smooth running and continued development of a small, dynamic office.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the UNU-CPR Geneva Office, the Office and Events Manager will have the following responsibilities:

Office and administrative management

• Manage the day-to-day administrative and operational needs of the office, including contracting, procurement, expenses, supplies and equipment.

• Coordinate with internal services, external providers and institutional partners to ensure the efficient delivery of administrative and logistical services.

• Manage calendars, scheduling and practical arrangements for the Geneva Office of UNU-CPR.

• Support the arrival and onboarding of personnel, including interns and consultants, and related administrative activities.

• Maintain stakeholder contact lists and support effective information sharing and follow-up with partners and other stakeholders.

Project management support

• Support the research team in coordinating projects and workstreams, including timelines, deliverables, budget reporting, and reporting deadlines.

• Maintain an overview of relevant event and policy calendars, helping the team anticipate key milestones, identify opportunities and plan activities in a timely manner.

Events support

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of UNU-CPR events in Geneva and beyond, including policy dialogues, roundtables, workshops, launches and other convenings.

• Manage event logistics, including venues, invitations, registration, speaker coordination, technical and audio-visual requirements, event materials and other operational arrangements.

• Support the research team’s participation in external events, including registrations and other practical arrangements, as well as coordinate travel arrangements for guests.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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

1) Education and certification

• A university degree in business administration, management, international affairs, public administration or a related field.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in administrative, programme or project coordination, office management or a related field.

• Experience supporting events, meetings or programmes in an international, multilateral, research or policy environment is an advantage.

• Experience with procurement, financial administration, travel arrangements and/or contracting processes is an advantage.

• Experience working in or with the United Nations system or other international organizations is an advantage.

• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders simultaneously.

• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to administrative and operational matters.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, external partners, service providers and senior stakeholders.

• Good judgement, discretion and reliability when handling sensitive information and working with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a small, collaborative team.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and French is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Reporting and working arrangements

This position is part of the broader UNU-CPR administrative and operational team in New York, but reports on a day-to-day basis to the Head of Geneva Office. The position is based full-time in Geneva.

Duration

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for an initial twelve (12) month period.

Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

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 CTC holders.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will receive a monthly fee of CHF 5,400 to CHF 6,250, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

Expected start date

By 1 March 2027.

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• Upload a copy of your CV where it says upload your P11 form;

• provide a one-page cover letter, including a motivation statement; 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

Monday, 30 November 2026

Submissions must be received by 6pm Geneva time on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based or other interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. 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. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. 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.

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