Researcher

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 five decades, 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 policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with various UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. More information can be found at http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The position of Researcher at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research that connects scientific and scholarly communities with policymaking in the multilateral system. The Researcher will play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction, oversight, and research outputs of UNU-CPR’s Long-Term Governance and Futures Generations workstream. This includes managing relationships with existing and new donors, delivering on a joint Future Generations workplan in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Secretary General, and developing a robust research portfolio aligned with the overall strategy of the UNU-CPR Geneva Office. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic professional with a strong background in foresight, futures thinking, and research on long-term governance, as well as experience collaborating with UN and affiliated actors in the future generations space.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Researcher include:

• Strategic direction and oversight: Contributing to the overall strategy of the UNU-CPR Geneva Office with a focus on future generations and long-term governance; overseeing existing programmes within the future generations portfolio, including managing relationships with partner organizations; and supervising consultants associated with the future generations portfolio in coordination with the Head of Office.
• Resource mobilisation: Strengthening the resource base for the future generations work of UNU-CPR; tracking project expenditures and ensuring compliance with financial rules and regulations in close consultation with the operations team; and managing donor relations and networks, including resource mobilisation activities for the programme’s research.
• Research and knowledge production: Delivering research products on future generations and long-term governance; coordinating closely with the communications team on any research outputs; and supporting and organizing dissemination events and collaborations with partners.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring timely and high-quality research and writing, professional engagement with partners and stakeholders, and regular updates on research progress.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in international relations, foresight, futures studies, political science, business administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must possess at least three years of professional experience in foresight and/or futures thinking, with a demonstrated ability to produce policy-relevant research on long-term governance within the multilateral system. Candidates should also have experience in raising funds for policy research in the future generations space and working with UN actors in multicultural settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, foresight, futures studies, political science, or business administration. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of governance and policy-making in a global context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in foresight and/or futures thinking. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to produce policy-relevant research on long-term governance in the multilateral system, as well as experience in fundraising for policy research in the future generations space. Familiarity with working alongside UN actors and in multicultural environments is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with an initial duration of 6 months and the possibility for renewal based on requirements and satisfactory performance. The annual net salary for this position ranges from CHF 80,000 to CHF 88,000, commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. It is important to note that UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration received under this contract, and the payment of such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years. The starting date for this position is set for 1 June 202

• To apply, candidates must fill out the UNU P11 Form, provide a motivation statement, and answer tailored questions related to the position. The application deadline is 24 April 2026, with submissions required by 12pm NY time on that date. Evaluation of candidates may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from developing countries.