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 Institute (UNU-INRA)

The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is one of the 14 Research and Training Centres / Programmes of the United Nations University (UNU). The aim of the institute is to bridge the gap between science and natural resources management policies in Africa. UNU-INRA’s mandate is to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources in a way that maintains the quality of the natural environment and transforms lives.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities: Create synergies between research and administrative functions within the organization and provide requisite support to research and administrative related roles and functions in supporting both programmatic and organizational goals.

1. Programme Management

• Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNU-INRA programs to achieve strategic objectives.
• Assist in the coordination of research projects, capacity-building initiatives, and research to policy translation and enabling strategic convening and knowledge exchange spaces.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with external stakeholders such as researchers, policymakers, development partners, as well as with various project leads.
• Support management in providing alerts and drawing lessons learnt from project co-ordination to support new initiatives and enable programmatic cohesion
• Support management in the development of institutional growth plans and establishing coordination with relevant stakeholders within the University ecosystem and beyond
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, and policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support in conducting training, webinars, and guest lectures, as well as in organizing national and regional workshops, conferences, and training sessions to disseminate research findings and best practices. Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing and proposal development.
• Ensure programmes align with UNU-INRA’s mission and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Maintains up-to-date documentation and reporting on program activities and impact.

2. Research

• Participate in the review and coordination of research activities of UNU-INRA.
• Support the programmatic work of UNU by conducting relevant research in the intersection between gender and natural resource management and relevant NRM research themes as per UNU INRA’s core business and strategic plan and as per the guidance of the Director
• Support in the design of gender relevant metric to monitor and evaluate projects with a gender focus and outcome areas.
• Research, compile and organise project information and reference materials from various sources for reports, work plans, studies, briefings, meetings/conferences, etc.
• Generate a variety of standard statistical and other reports, work orders, etc., using various databases.
• Assist in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software.

3. Gender Mainstreaming

• Act as UNU-INRA gender focal person in the UNU gender focal persons group. Promote gender equality in policies, programs, and activities in the institute’s programmatic work.
• Ensure gender perspectives are integrated into the planning and decision-making of UNU-INRA programs.
• Advocate for gender-sensitive budgeting and resource allocation in UNU-INRA projects and operations.
• Develop gender-sensitive indicators for tracking progress.
• Conduct gender awareness training for staff and stakeholders.
• Provide technical support on gender-related issues.

4. Administrative Support

• Performs general administrative tasks (e.g. Arrangements for meetings and other events, reservations etc.), to include preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g. invoices, requisitions, purchase orders, contracts).
• Assist with procurement activities for the institute, including sourcing, solicitation and vendor management.
• Plan and organise meetings, events and workshops by booking venues, equipment and providing other related logistical support.
• Assist with the coordination and administration of human resources in UNU-INRA, e.g. recruitment and working closely with UNU Human Resource Office to ensure smooth operation.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Liaise with the M&E Officer to support the development and strengthening of UNU-INRA monitoring and evaluation procedures.
• Support project milestones as part of tracking project performance as well as help with the co-ordination of final project evaluation and institutional evaluation.
• Support the development of evidence-based decision-making in programmatic learning and orientation in tracking programme effectiveness and long-term sustainability

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Proper planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNU-INRA programs to achieve strategic objectives.

• UNU produces a variety of standard statistical and other reports, work orders, etc., using various databases.
• Gender equality in policies, programs, and activities in the institute’s programmatic work.
• Timely and quality development and implementation of administrative processes and procedures.
• Develop and strengthen UNU monitoring and evaluation procedures.
• Performance of personnel: the office produces quality knowledge products.

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

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in administration or other relevant social sciences related field.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least two years (with master’s degree) or at least 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in administration and research, some of which preferably in an international organization.
• Experience in administration, research, and program management.
• Experience in conducting research, literature review and data analysis.
• Strong administrative skills to manage workflows, schedules, and documentation.
• Knowledge of Standard computer software and applications, such as MS word, excel, PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required.
• Experience in coordinating projects and ensuring delivery within allocated time and budget.
• Proficiency in UN administrative regulation.
• Ability to think strategically and align business and research development within programmatic goals.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
• Experience with United Nations software (e.g Quantum) is an advantage.
• Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, drafting ability, resilience, and an interest in development work.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (of/in the range of) USD 27600- USD 32832, 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

01 May 2025

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

21 March 2025 (11:59pm, Ghana time)

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.

Scam Warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.