Executive Development Coordinator

Executive Development Coordinator

United Nations University (UNU)

August 27, 2026September 17, 2026HelsinkiFinland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims 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 working across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full range of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, contributing to solving pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. More information can be found at http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Executive Development Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting the effective delivery of UNU-WIDER's programs while enhancing external engagement and partnerships. This position involves providing program coordination, analytical support, and liaising with the Director’s Office. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing briefing notes, presentations, and correspondence for senior management, monitoring action points from meetings, and coordinating high-level events involving various stakeholders. The role also includes supporting institutional initiatives, tracking project activities, and maintaining documentation related to project implementation. The Coordinator will facilitate partnerships with external stakeholders, contribute to resource mobilization efforts, and ensure effective communication within the organization. This position requires a proactive approach to support the Director and senior colleagues in achieving the Institute's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic and operational support to the Director’s Office, including preparing briefing notes, presentations, and background materials for meetings; monitoring action points from senior management meetings; and coordinating information collection to support decision-making processes.
  • Organize and coordinate high-level meetings and institutional events, ensuring effective communication and coordination between the Director's Office and internal units.
  • Support assigned institutional initiatives by providing administrative and organizational support for project-related activities, tracking project timelines, and maintaining documentation.
  • Facilitate partnerships and stakeholder engagement by coordinating with external stakeholders, maintaining liaison with partners, and preparing documentation for engagements.
  • Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by monitoring funding opportunities, developing project proposals, and maintaining records on donor engagement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring timely and high-quality support for projects and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess progressively responsible experience in executive coordination, program/project support, or administrative coordination. Demonstrated ability to support project planning, monitoring, and implementation is essential. Experience in international organizations or research institutions is highly advantageous, as is the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships. Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills are required, along with proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of ERP or project management systems.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field is required. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience will also be considered for this position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as executive coordination, program/project support, or administrative coordination. Experience in international organizations, research institutions, or development contexts is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders effectively and maintain productive working relationships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, which offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary of EUR 59,466.77, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The maximum duration on a PSA contract with UNU is six years, and the mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. The starting date for this position is as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 UTC +3 on the deadline date, and late submissions will not be accepted. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals from developing countries.
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