Research Associate (PSA)

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 UNU-WIDER

UNU-WIDER is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. 

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics research institute. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as open-access original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme is available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Domestic Revenue Mobilisation and Tax Research for Development

Strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation is an important area of UNU-WIDER’s research and policy engagement. Through its Tax Research for Development work and related partnerships, the Institute collaborates with governments, tax administrations, researchers, and international partners to generate rigorous evidence and strengthen the use of research and administrative data in tax policy and administration.

As part of this broader agenda, the African-Finnish Partnership for Tax and Digital Transformation project examines how digital technologies and data-driven approaches can contribute to more effective and sustainable tax systems and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation in Africa. The project is implemented through UNU-WIDER’s partnership with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management, combining research, capacity development, and technical cooperation. UNU-WIDER’s work under the partnership focuses particularly on generating policy-relevant empirical evidence on digital transformation, tax administration, taxpayer behaviour, and public finance outcomes, drawing on administrative tax data and other sources.

This position is based in Pretoria, South Africa and thus requires the incumbent to be based in Pretoria for the duration of the assignment.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Research Fellow, the Research Associate will contribute to the implementation of UNU-WIDER’s portfolio on domestic revenue mobilization, with a particular focus on research on taxation and digital transformation, capacity development, policy engagement, and partnerships. The Research Associate will undertake policy-relevant research, contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge products, and support capacity development activities and engagement with African partner institutions, including the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and African revenue authorities.

1. Conduct research and contribute to the management of commissioned research on taxation and digital transformation.

• Conduct policy-relevant research on digital transformation of tax administrations, domestic revenue mobilisation, and related development challenges;

• Undertake quantitative analysis using administrative tax data and other relevant datasets;

• Prepare and contribute to technical notes, working papers, policy reports, and journal articles;

• Support the translation of research findings into practical tools and capacity development activities;

• Contribute to identifying research opportunities for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

2. Contribute to the design and delivery of capacity development activities with partner institutions, including teaching and technical advice.

• Contribute to the development of training materials and other capacity-development resources;

• Support the design and delivery of workshops, webinars, policy dialogues, training courses, and other learning events;

• Provide technical input and advice to partner institutions, drawing on project research and evidence.

3. Support policy engagement, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization.

• Prepare policy briefs, blogs, presentations, and other knowledge products tailored to academic, policy, and practitioner audiences;

• Support the dissemination and uptake of research findings through policy dialogues, webinars, roundtables, conferences, and other stakeholder engagement activities;

• Contribute to the synthesis, editing, and dissemination of programme outputs, evidence, and lessons learned;

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner institutions, including tax administrations, universities, regional organisations, and other project partners.

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely production of high-quality research outputs in accordance with agreed workplans.

• Effective contributions to policy and knowledge products that translate research findings for different audiences.

• Active contributions to workshops, webinars, and capacity development activities.

• Effective collaboration and  engagement with project partners, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

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

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Economics, Development Economics, Public Finance, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related discipline

2) Required skills and experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant research or professional experience is required. 

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs.

• Strong quantitative analytical skills.

• Experience using Stata, R, or Python.

• Experience in project management is an asset.

• Knowledge of taxation and development challenges and experience in capacity development are assets.

• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Readiness to travel internationally, including extended stays in developing countries when collaborating with local partners.

3) Language Requirements:

• Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English.

• Knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual gross salary of ZAR 1,241,097.00, 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 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

14 December 2026

Submissions must be received by 23:59, UTC +2 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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