Head of Research and Training

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 become a vital 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 across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating knowledge that informs policy and drives 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 Head of Research and Training at UNU-INWEH will play a pivotal role in supporting the Institute's strategic plan for 2025-202

• This position involves leading, coordinating, and implementing research projects and academic programs, engaging with external partners, and delivering high-quality outputs. The successful candidate will co-lead the design and planning of research and capacity-development projects, identify emerging issues in the water, environment, and health domains, and translate these into actionable research and policy initiatives. The role also includes conducting and publishing high-quality research, designing educational modules, and overseeing the operations of the Online Learning Centre. The Head of Research and Training will be responsible for ensuring compliance with UNU and donor regulations, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and enhancing the visibility and impact of UNU-INWEH's work through effective outreach and communication strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research and Programme Management: Co-lead the design, planning, and coordination of research and capacity-development projects aligned with UNU-INWEH's Strategic Plan. Identify and contribute to emerging issues relevant to the UN and member states, translating them into research initiatives. Lead the preparation of project proposals, budgets, and donor submissions, and manage resource mobilization activities. Collaborate with thematic work area focal points to ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.
• Academic Research and Knowledge Generation: Conduct and publish high-quality research, author peer-reviewed articles and policy briefs, and collaborate with academic and UN partners to develop methodologies and policy tools. Ensure adherence to ethical research standards and represent UNU-INWEH at scientific meetings and conferences.
• Education and Capacity Development: Design and deliver teaching modules and workshops, supervise staff and students, and contribute to capacity-building activities. Engage in international policy processes and oversee the Online Learning Centre's operations.
• Programme Management and Institutional Development: Ensure timely delivery of research and training outputs, contribute to strategic planning and reporting, and support partnership development with governments and donors.
• Outreach, Communication, and Impact: Disseminate research outcomes through various channels, collaborate with communications staff, and participate in policy dialogues to enhance UNU-INWEH's visibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Education and Certification: A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a field related to water or environmental science/engineering, natural resources management, physical geography, remote sensing, or a related field is required. Advanced training or certification in management, administration, monitoring and evaluation, or PMP is an asset.
• Required Skills and Experience: At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and programme/project management within academia or international organizations, including supervisory responsibilities. Proven record of scholarly analytical work, experience in resource mobilization, and demonstrated experience in developing educational activities. Expertise in environmental or sustainability issues, particularly in developing contexts, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as water or environmental science/engineering, natural resources management, or related disciplines. Additional advanced training or certifications in management or project management are considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and programme/project management, particularly within academic or international settings. Candidates should have a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and experience in resource mobilization and capacity-building activities.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of one year, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance. The position offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package, including 30 days of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan, and health insurance. The starting date is immediate, and applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and individuals from developing countries.