About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission 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 more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

About the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) 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 Institute’s mission is to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programs and Member States about global health issues. The goal of UNU-IIGH is to advance equitable and evidence-based policymaking on crucial issues related to sustainable development and public health. The work of the Institute includes conducting research, facilitating policy implementation around a number of global health topics including maternal, sexual and reproductive health and health systems policy.

The position

The successful applicant will work on a programme to improve maternal, newborn, sexual and reproductive health (MNSRH) policy improvement in Burkina Faso and Mozambique through a model of external assistance that is: a) nationally led and considerate of the need to strengthen local research and policy-making systems and institutions; b) positively synergistic with other externally-driven initiatives; and c) committed to prioritising equity in terms of both processes and outcomes.

 

Specifically, the successful candidate will be contracted to support and evaluate the implementation of two projects in each country, and to use these projects to catalyse policy improvements across both countries. These projects will be funded by UNU-IIGH through grants that will be awarded to a) National Institute of Public Health, Nouna Health Research Centre, Burkina Faso; and b) Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.

Responsibilities
The Poject Coordinator will:

• Support the finalization of the design of the research projects in each country
• Monitor progress and provide ongoing support to the research projects in each country
• Conduct a prospective analysis of the research projects with the aim of identifying and documenting experiences and lessons that are relevant to national and regional policy makers
• Work with the National Institute of Public Health, Nouna Health Research Centre and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane to promote policy improvement in each country by engaging with relevant national stakeholders
• Monitor expenditure and produce regular progress reports on the implementation of the research projects in each country
• Participate in cross-regional analyses of the CPIA project and participate in events regionally or globally to represent CPIA and showcase the project and its model, achievements, lessons learned
• Lead on the writing of an academic paper assessing the CPIA model in both countries and identifying generalizable lessons and insights
• 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
  

Required qualifications and experience for the position include:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Public Policy or related field with the following work experience:

• At least 7 years of work experience in public health or public policy or development or health systems strengthening, including experience of working with government departments and policy makers

• At least 5 years of project management and leadership

• At least 3 years of work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Ability to work in French and Portuguese

• Good written skills with a track record of first author publications

Or

PhD in Public Health, Public Policy or related field with the following work experience:

• At least 5 years of work experience in public health or public policy or development or health systems strengthening, including experience of working with government departments and policy makers
• At least 3 years of work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Ability to work in French and Portuguese
• Good written skills with a track record of first author publications

Desired

• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Demonstrate the standards of conducted as expected by the UN

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 – USD 62,024.00, 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

This is a full-time position with a maximum contract period of thirty (30) months only. The duration of the initial contract is 12 months, with the possibility for renewal of the remaining months subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance.

This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU. 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: April 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

31 January 2025

Applications must be received before midnight Malaysian time (MYT) UTC+8 on the closing date of the announcement.

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 do no hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. PSA holders 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 organization. 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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