Policy Research Fellow UNU-IIGH PSA (P3)

About United Nations University

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 the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.

The position

Over the course of the previous strategic plan (2019-2023), UNU-IIGH has built a significant body of work to advance the integration of rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to health systems and institutions, contributing to the overarching SDG of health for all. Leveraging its position in the Global South and as an interlocutor across multiple stakeholder groups, including government, research and the private sector, through its new strategic plan for 2024-2028 the institute operates across 4 fundamental work packages. For details, please visit: https://unu.edu/iigh/our-work. UNU-IIGH is recruiting a policy research fellow for the following 3 work packages each.

1.Gender Equality and Intersectionality: aim to improve the quality of health care through human-centred approaches and to use this as an entry point for health systems strengthening. Two main thematic areas are strengthening human centered health systems and advancing enabling environments for the health workforce.

2. Digital Health Security & Governance: address the colonial legacies and power asymmetries that negatively impact robust digital health governance, identify ways to strengthen health data governance with a particular focus on SRHR and promote diversity in technology design and development.

3. Climate Justice and Determinants of Health: amplify and translate research that demonstrates the inequalities underpinning the health impacts of the climate emergency and highlighting the power asymmetries that determine the capabilities of communities to undertake mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard against the negative health impacts of the climate emergency. The work package aims to enable fair and justice-oriented arrangements overcoming the climate and health crisis. It will develop critical thinking, platforms, dialogues and capacities for change that redress and transform inequities in climate and health policy.

Under the leadership of the Director and supervision of the respective Research Leads, UNU-IIGH is looking for outstanding researchers for these work packages, who will provide technical input as well as manage selected projects, leading the production of policy-relevant analyses and research, convening critical policy dialogues and developing capacity strengthening initiatives.

Responsibilities
Working on selected projects within the relevant work package, the Policy Research Fellow will:

• Lead on selected projects within the relevant work package, and the generation and dissemination of policy-relevant research
• Provide technical and managerial leadership for the successful implementation of research and policy engagement activities
• Build and manage partnerships with external researchers and partners
• Ensure projects produce specified results to the required standard of quality and within the timeline and budget parameters
• Contribute to capacity development, knowledge translation and policy dialogue facilitation
• Contribute to resource mobilization related to the work package
• Participate in international research, policy and outreach events
• Supervise policy research associates, PhD students, junior researchers, interns; and
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director or Research Leads

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

Required qualifications and experience for the position include:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant progressively senior professional experience, including the management of research, training and policy programmes; or
• PhD in a relevant field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant progressively senior professional experience, including the management of research, training and policy programmes
• Demonstrated ability to carry out and manage development research activities in an international environment
• Evidence of academic and peer-reviewed publications related to relevant areas of the work packages
• Demonstrated track record in international research and policy engagement in areas related to the work package
• Evidence of teaching and research supervision experience
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English across a range of communication formats (academic publications, programme reports, policy briefs). Knowledge of another official UN language would be an asset
• Track record of competitive funding and resource mobilization from national and international funding agencies; and
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract at P-3 level and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of USD59,151.00 – USD62,024.00, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days of 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 one 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 of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible