Programme Lead for Science and Technology

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

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.   The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions oriented toward immediate implementation and sustainability over the long term. The UNU-CPR Office in Geneva collaborates with the full range of policy actors in International Geneva, and helps bridge the policy ecosystems in Geneva and New York. More information about its work is available here: https://unu.edu/cpr. This is an in-person position, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in substantive research and link scientific and scholarly communities to policymaking in the multilateral system.  Over the past two years, UNU-CPR Geneva has significantly grown its science and policy work, including becoming the Research Lead for the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, initiating an ambitious series of science/policy dialogues with diplomats, and establishing a fellowship exchange that brings leading experts to Geneva for science/policy research. The below role is being created to manage and lead this expanded science/policy workstream for UNU-CPR, and to help build a broader range of partnerships in Geneva and beyond.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of UNU-CPR, Geneva, the primary responsibilities are:

1. Research and programme leadership

• Design and lead policy-relevant research agendas and workstreams on issues of strategic importance to the multilateral system;

• Lead and oversee the production of high-quality policy reports, publications and other research outputs, identifying implications for the multilateral system and relevant policy audiences;

• Contribute to UNU-CPR's work as Research Lead for the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, including onemerging science and technology issues of relevance to the multilateral system;

• Develop and lead thematic portfolios and initiatives at the intersection of science, technology and global governance, including environmental issues, in collaboration with UNU-CPR's Head of Digital and Frontier Technologies and relevant colleagues and partners;

• Implement relevant research methodologies and approaches, including foresight and interdisciplinary research, into UNU-CPR's work.

2. Coordination, partnership-building and representation

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with scholars, scientists, UN entities, Member States, research institutions and other relevant stakeholders;

• Represent UNU-CPR in high-level forums and strategic engagement in Geneva and beyond;

• Strengthen the positioning, visibility and reputation of UNU-CPR as a trusted and dynamic partner to the UN system and other stakeholders, including Member States;

• Contribute thought leadership at the science-policy interface, including on the risks and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, and strengthen UNU-CPR’s voice in relevant policy and expert forums.

3. Strategic planning and development for the Geneva Office

• Contribute to the strategic development and implementation of the Geneva Office’s priorities and work programmes, working closely with the Head of Office to shape those priorities;

• Manage key workstreams and identify new opportunities for collaboration;

• Develop resource mobilisation strategies and joint initiatives with strategic partners in support of the Office's priorities;

• Lead strategic convening and engagement activities that advance the Office’s priorities.

4. Management and other responsibilities

• Supervise and manage personnel, fellows, consultants and other contributors, including through work planning, guidance and quality assurance, as relevant to assigned programmes and workstreams;

• Contribute to the effective management and development of the Geneva Office, including through delegated responsibilities and support to the Head of Office.

5. 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;

• 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

1) Education and certification

• Master’s degree in political science, international relations, public policy or a related field is required.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least seven years of relevant experience in science/policy research, open science, and linking scientific research to international forums

• Direct knowledge of scientific advisory processes and/or institutions is an asset

• Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required

• Experience in conducting research within the UN University system will be taken into consideration

• Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, drafting ability, resilience, and a demonstrated interest connecting science to decision-making.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and French is required.

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

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (in the range of) CHF 110,000 - CHF 118,275, 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

January 2027

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

25 November 2026

Submissions must be received by 6pm Genva 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 “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” 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.

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