Academic Programme and Partnerships Coordinator

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. For over 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 knowledge that is relevant for policy-making to foster positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, contributing to the resolution of pressing global challenges that concern the United Nations and its Member States. More information can be found at http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Academic Programme and Partnerships Coordinator will play a crucial role in the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), which is headquartered in Richmond Hill, Canada. This position involves coordinating the implementation and management of academic partnerships and joint capacity-building programs. The incumbent will support the development and execution of strategic plans, annual work plans, and relevant events, ensuring high-quality educational offerings such as webinars, online courses, and workshops. The role also includes building and maintaining partnerships with universities, research institutions, and other stakeholders, facilitating internships and fellowships, and representing UNU-INWEH at academic conferences. The coordinator will be responsible for developing educational content and resources, promoting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to the visibility and sustainability of academic partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Academic Programme and Partnerships Coordinator include:

• Coordinating the overall implementation and management of academic partnerships and capacity-building programs, including the development of strategic plans and annual work plans.
• Overseeing educational offerings such as webinars, online courses, and workshops, ensuring participant recruitment and engagement.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with universities, research institutions, and private sector partners, managing relationships with experts and mentors.
• Facilitating internships and research placements for students and early-career professionals.
• Coordinating communications and outreach activities, including digital engagement and promotional campaigns.
• Monitoring program performance and preparing reports for stakeholders.
• Supporting fundraising efforts through the preparation of proposals and donor reports.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a PhD in Food Systems, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Geography, Geospatial Sciences, or a related scientific field. Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible work experience in relevant fields, including experience with partnerships with academic institutions and resource mobilization. Strong interpersonal skills, excellent writing and communication abilities, and demonstrated leadership skills are essential. Experience in academic writing, capacity building, and mentoring students is desirable, as is prior work experience in the UN system or intergovernmental entities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant field such as Food Systems, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Geography, or Geospatial Sciences. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complex issues related to water, environment, and health that the Institute addresses.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in the fields related to the Institute’s activities. This includes experience in developing partnerships with academic institutions, resource mobilization, and capacity building. Proven experience in academic writing and policy-oriented reports is also necessary, along with a strong ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
Professional level fluency in English 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 Institute's mission.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be engaged under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for a duration not exceeding twenty-four months within a thirty-six month period. This contract does not entitle the consultant to paid annual leave or sick leave. Travel for mission-related purposes may be required, with costs covered by UNU, subject to certain prerequisites. The expected start date for this position is immediate. Applicants should note that UNU does not sponsor working visas for this position and that the organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds.