Director of UNU-INRA

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Director of UNU-INRA is responsible for the overall organization and management of the Institute and its programs, reporting directly to the Rector of the United Nations University. The ideal candidate will possess the stature necessary to enhance UNU-INRA's reputation within the international scholarly community, ensuring scientific excellence through rigorous internal quality control. The Director will provide leadership and guidance for all UNU-INRA activities, develop and manage partnerships at national, continental, and international levels, oversee financial and operational management, and implement strategies aligned with UNU's broader objectives. This role requires a dynamic individual with a robust academic and management background capable of leading a diverse team, fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, and producing impactful, policy-relevant analyses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Management: Serve as the Chief Academic and Administrative officer of UNU-INRA, overseeing its direction, organization, administration, and programming in accordance with UNU policies. Manage personnel, promoting diversity and inclusion, and oversee the Institute’s budget while maintaining donor reporting requirements. Lead relations with the host country, donors, and key stakeholders.
• Resource Mobilization: Strengthen the Institute’s resource mobilization strategy to secure funding, manage donor relations, and coach researchers in proposal preparation and engagement with partners.
• Research Programme Implementation and Oversight: Lead a substantive research program focused on natural sciences, engineering, or economics related to natural resources and agriculture. Ensure high-quality, policy-relevant research outputs and effective communication of recommendations to stakeholders.
• Represent UNU-INRA and Establish Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with the UN system, governments, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration on program development and resource mobilization. Strengthen scientific partnerships and represent UNU-INRA in various forums to enhance visibility and impact.
• Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Facilitate the dissemination of knowledge products to stakeholders and coordinate UNU-INRA’s work with other UN and UNU activities globally.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Rector to support the Institute and UNU system.

Required Qualifications:

• Education and Certification: A doctoral qualification in natural sciences, engineering, or economics related to natural resources or agriculture.
• Required Skills and Experience: At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, with demonstrable leadership and management experience. Strong fundraising skills with a proven track record of securing support from multiple funders. Ability to articulate a shared vision and engage diverse audiences. A strong background in research and publications, preferably with a high citation rate. Experience in developing policy-relevant research initiatives and engaging with policymakers. Demonstrated financial and human resource management skills, and a commitment to human development and gender diversity issues. Knowledge of the UN system is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in natural sciences, engineering, or economics, with a focus on natural resources, agriculture, or related fields. This advanced educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by UNU-INRA and for leading the Institute effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a strong leadership and management background. Candidates should have a proven track record in fundraising and securing support from diverse funding sources, as well as experience in developing and implementing policy-relevant research initiatives.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of two years, subject to satisfactory performance and the possibility of renewal. The total duration of fixed-term appointments for UNU Institute Director positions may not exceed eight years. The mandatory retirement age for United Nations staff is 65 years. The position offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package, including an annual net salary, 30 days of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan, and health insurance. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged, and UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce.