Research Specialist (P-4)

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.

About UNU-EGOV

The United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), based in the city of Guimarães, north of Portugal, is one of 14 research and training Institutes and Units that comprise the UNU system.The mission of UNU-EGOV is to support the Member States of the United Nations in transforming the mechanisms of governance and building effective governance capabilities through strategic applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to contribute to sustainable development, social inclusion and active citizenship. As a think tank and research unit, UNU-EGOV combines both classical research and consultancy projects.

In fulfillment of its purpose UNU-EGOV:

 - carries out policy-relevant research; 

- translates research findings into relevant policy instruments;

- builds capacity in localizing and applying such instruments within and among governments clients and partners within the UN system, academic and other relevant organizations;

- builds and maintains research and policy networks to share the lessons learnt, foster mutual learning, and bridge research and policy worlds; and

- monitors, evaluates and disseminates the latest developments in the area.

For more information, please visit http://egov.unu.edu.

The UNU-EGOV Core Research Programme 2020-2024 is dedicated to the theme of “Governance and digital transformation for inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies”. It aims to consolidate and exploit the existing knowledge as well as to explore new learning to reach inclusion, development, sustainability and security worldwide.

Furthermore, it investigates the current and new digital governance challenges for a resilient society.

Research topics approached in the Core Research Programme include:

• Governance models and strategies for digital transformation of the public sector and society at large;
• Smart and sustainable cities and communities;
• Standards and regulatory issues related to interoperability, usability, data and privacy protection;
• Technology-enabled innovation including models, capacities and specific emerging concepts and technologies;
• Big data and AI including data capture, maintenance and data exchange;
• Technological service delivery, administrative burden reduction and anti-corruption, etc.

The Research Specialist position plays a vital role in planning and monitoring the current and future Core Research Programmes and in developing a strong policy-relevant research culture at UNU-EGOV.The selected candidate will contribute to the growth of the network of stakeholders and partnerships for the development of the UNU-EGOV project portfolio. The UNU-EGOV has been strengthening its connections with the Global South, namely with the African countries, and aims to extend collaborations to other countries in the region.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of UNU-EGOV, the Research Specialist ensures the execution of the following attributions:
1. Overseeing policy-relevant research in the field of Electronic Governance (EGOV)
- Lead the development, monitoring, and assessment of the UNU-EGOV Core Research Programme;
- Conduct high-quality research that serves as an example of academic excellence;
- Publish key publication research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences;
- Coordinate the work of research personnel;
- Strive for policy impact of UNU-EGOV research in the UN system, at international, regional, and national levels;
- Ensure the highest level of integrity and ethics in the EGOV research.
2. Reviewing and ensuring high-quality policy instruments
- Monitor the implementation of the research projects to identify relevant policies and policy-oriented recommendations;
- Coordinate the translation of research findings into policies;

- Provide guidance on the establishment of a strategy to increase the dissemination/visibility and adoption of the policy instruments by key stakeholders to ensure their maximum impact at UN, regional and national levels.
3. Developing research and capacity-building projects
- Foster research and capacity-building project proposals and build project consortia;
- Provide critical reviews of research proposals and grant applications;
- Seek to secure research funds and lead the research teams to conduct the respective research, consulting and training projects;
- Represent UNU-EGOV in R&D consortia and networks.
4. Coordinating and taking high-level responsibilities in the organization of UNU-EGOV conferences, workshops, capacity-building programmes, and other relevant events
- Coordinate the scientific activities and planning of events, giving the team responsibilities, and monitoring their completion;
- Assist in the communication plan and dissemination activities related to the events;
- Carry out teaching, training, and supervision within the capacity-building programs;
5. Representing UNU-EGOV in relevant research and policy events and networks
- Communicate research and project accomplishments at scientific meetings and international fora, and through publications;
- Engage academic and professional networks to raise the visibility of the UNU-EGOV.
6. Supporting the Director of UNU-EGOV in institutional development activities
- Assist the Director with its visions and research directions in the next years and with the organizational change process;
- Produce research and management reports as relevant;
- Help in the fundraising efforts of UNU-EGOV;
- Assist in developing the project portfolio of UNU-EGOV;
- Help to improve the organization and internal structure within EGOV;
- Help in creating a network of contacts from different fields that will strengthen the research work in EGOV.

7. Perform other duties assigned by the Director.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality delivery of the Unit’s operational goals.
• Quality of the scientific and policy-oriented research and knowledge products delivered.
• Publication record.
• Quality of the supervision work.
• Timely and quality development, management, and implementation of projects, programmes, and work plans.
• Institutional commitment.
• Quality and level of engagement with all partners, including a strong commitment level to contribute to UNU-EGOV being perceived as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.
• Level of fundraising achieved.

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
  

Educationand certification:

Completed doctoral degree (Phd) in Informatics, InformationSystems, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Management,Economics, Communication Sciences, Sociology, Law or a related discipline.

Experience:

Required

• At least 10 years (after Phd) progressivelyresponsible experience inconducting research, teaching,consulting and programme development in academic, think-tank or internationalorganizations, in areas related to EGOV’s areas of work such as digitaltransformation, modernization and innovation of governments and publicinstitutions.
• Internationally recognized academic recordin some of the research domains core to UNU-EGOV.
• Evidence of project/programme developmentand management.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, fundingsources and proven ability to raise external funds.

Desirable

• Experience in academic and/or professionalsupervision.
• Experience in drafting and presentingcomplex reports, communications, and presentations;
• Aproven ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, adjust to changesin schedule and priorities, and juggle concurrent tasks effectively andefficiently.
• Excellentteam player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously inmulti-cultural and multi-ethnic environment.
• Other desirable skills: Initiative, strongconceptual abilities, sound judgment, resilience, teamwork and coordination,excellent oral and written communication skills.

LanguageRequirements:

• Fluencyin English is required.
• Fluencyin Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish is an advantage.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package 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:

• use the "APPLY" link below;
• fill out the UNU P11 form(please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement in section 23 of 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 November 2022

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.

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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