About UN 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 Office of the Rector

The Office of the Rector supports the Rector in his capacity as UNU’s chief academic and administrative officer. The Office assists in executive management and coordination of the UNU system and provides overall direction in matters of governance and policy development. The Office supports the work of the University’s governing board (the UNU Council), manages the legal affairs of the University, and oversees UNU Communications and ICT services.

Responsibilities

The Senior Vice-Rector is an accomplished scholar in their field, through which they galvanize support for UNU and reinforce its collaboration with a range of stakeholders. In close consultation with the Office of the Rector, they will be a key interlocutor with government ministries, academia, foundations, and the private sector to enhance support for UNU’s research and postgraduate teaching activities. The Senior Vice Rector will preferably have strong connections with a leading university or research institution.

1. Expand Partnerships

• Expands UNU’s partnerships and resource mobilization with a range of stakeholders, including academia, government, foundations, and the private sector.
• Represents and supports the Rector in public, high-level events in Japan and globally, as needed.
• Serves as UNU’s focal point liaising with the Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) to increase cooperation with the private sector.

2. Research, Publications, and Events

• Manages and conducts substantive academic activities—such as research, publications, and events—in their area of expertise in support of UNU’s mandate.
• Identifies opportunities for meaningful collaboration, including by connecting UNU and its personnel with relevant stakeholders and interlocutors.
• In close consultation with Rectorate, liaises with UNU Institutes’ Directors on academic activities in the area of their expertise.

3. Strategic Leadership and Coordination

• Supports the Rector in the implementation and monitoring of the UNU Strategy 2025-2029.
• Leads the strategic coordination and facilitation of UNU’s research or educational activities (including postgraduates degree programmes, short- and medium-term trainings, and joint degree programmes) by leveraging existing UNU resources and establishing new strategic partnerships.
• Coordinates with UNU Directors and facilitates discussions on other cross-cutting issues as needed to enhance collaboration between UNU Institutes.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the Rector.

Key performance indicators

• UNU’s relationships and engagements with key stakeholders are strengthened and enhanced.
• New funding opportunities for UNU (UNU-Centre, UNU-IAS, and/or UNU overall) are unlocked with stakeholders that can include academia, foundations, governments, and the private sector.
• Quality academic output in area of expertise is recognized by academia and/or the media.
• Efficient support of the Rector in implementing the UNU Strategic Plan and coordinating UNU’s research or educational activities.
• UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society

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

• A Ph.D. in an academic field relevant to the academic programme of the United Nations University is required.

2) Skills and experience

• Required:
  • At least 15 years of work experience, including a minimum of 10 years of senior management experience in a research and/or academic teaching institution;
  • A demonstrated record of substantial partnership building and resource mobilization;
  • A strong research background and well-established publication record in a relevant field;
  • The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse ages, national, cultural and religious backgrounds and with political representatives and diverse communities in both industrialized and developing countries;
  • Proven commitment to issues of human development and welfare.
• Desirable:
  • Strong connections with a leading university or institution.
  • Demonstrated familiarity and record of partnership with leading higher education and research institutions;
  • Experience in policy research or work in a think tank, especially a decentralized global organization. UNU is an inclusive employer and endeavors to create a culture of inclusiveness. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates or underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations, is desirable.

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/payandbenefits

The Rector reserves the right to appoint suitable candidates at a lower category and on either a part-time or full-time basis

Duration of contract

The period of initial contract is for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance

Starting Date

It is expected that the appointee will take up the position by 1 October 2025.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by email and should submit:

• A cover letter setting out: (1) the motivations for applying for the post and (2) how the candidate’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position.
• Full curriculum vitae (including applicant’s date of birth and nationality as well as a publications list).
• A United Nations University Personal History Form (P.11). Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations.
• The application must be submitted via email to: vr@unu.edu

Application Deadline

3 March 2025

Submissions must be received by Midnight Japan time on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Human rights screening

Individuals who seek to serve with the United Nations in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed, been convicted of, nor prosecuted for, any criminal offence and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.

Conflicts of interest

All United Nations staff members are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Senior leaders in particular, have the responsibility to serve as role models in upholding the organization’s ethical standards. A conflict of interest occurs when, by act or omission, a staff member’s personal interests interfere with the performance of his/her official duties and responsibilities, or call into question his/her integrity, independence and impartiality. Risk for conflicts of interest may arise from a staff member’s engagement in outside (non-UN) employment or occupation; outside activities, including political activities; receipt of gifts, honours, awards, favours or remuneration from external (non-UN) sources; or personal investment. In particular, no staff member shall accept any honour, decoration, favour, gift or remuneration from any Government (staff regulation 1.2 (j)). Where a real or perceived conflict of interest does arise, senior leaders are obligated to disclose this to the organization without delay. In order to avoid real or perceived family influence or preferential treatment and conflicts of interest that could stem from such situations, the UN Staff Rules provide that appointments “shall not be granted to anyone who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of a staff member” (staff rule 4.7(a)).

Short-listed individuals will also be required to complete the pre-appointment declaration of interests for senior positions to identify possible conflicts of interest that may arise and to proactively prevent and manage, as much as possible and in a timely manner, situations in which personal interests may conflict or appear to conflict with interests of the United Nations, should the individual be appointed to this position.

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.

If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.