Director of UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)

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 source of impartial research on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development, employing hundreds of researchers across 12 countries. The organization focuses on generating policy-relevant knowledge to address pressing global issues and collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Director of UNU-IAS is responsible for the overall management and organization of the institute, reporting directly to the Rector of the United Nations University. This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong academic and management background capable of leading a diverse team of experts, building partnerships with various stakeholders, and producing high-quality, policy-relevant analyses. The Director will oversee the implementation of research programs and postgraduate education, ensuring that outputs are impactful and aligned with the UN's strategic objectives. The position also involves resource mobilization, establishing strategic partnerships, and facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration within the UN system and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Management: Serve as the Chief Academic and Administrative officer of UNU-IAS, managing personnel and promoting diversity and inclusion; oversee the institute’s budget and manage relations with key stakeholders.
• Resource Mobilization: Strengthen the institute’s funding strategy, manage donor relations, and coach researchers in proposal preparation.
• Research and Education Program Implementation: Lead substantive research and capacity-building programs, ensuring high-quality outputs that inform policymakers.
• Representation and Partnerships: Establish relationships with the UN system and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and resource mobilization.
• Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate knowledge products and coordinate work with other UN activities.
• Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Rector.

Required Qualifications:
1) Education: A doctoral qualification in relevant fields such as biology, ecology, geography, engineering, natural resources management, public policy, or social sciences. 2) Skills and Experience: At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant disciplines, with demonstrated leadership and management capabilities; a strong background in research and publications related to sustainable development; experience in financial and human resource management; proven fundraising skills; and the ability to engage with diverse cultural backgrounds and political representatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, such as biology, ecology, geography, engineering, natural resources management, public policy, or social sciences, which provides a strong foundation for the responsibilities of the Director role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, with a focus on leadership and management. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing policy-relevant research initiatives and engaging with policymakers at various levels.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory. Knowledge of Japanese is strongly preferred, and familiarity with another UN official working language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The position is subject to the mandatory retirement age of 65 years for UN staff. The compensation package includes a tax-exempt 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.