Government Fellow

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Position Title: Government Fellow
Location: Guimarães
Country: Portugal
Deadline Date: 15 October 2023

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an esteemed international community of scholars dedicated to policy-oriented research, capacity development, and the dissemination of knowledge aimed at furthering the principles of the United Nations Charter. Established over four decades ago, UNU has become a pivotal think tank for impartial research addressing critical global issues such as human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With a robust team of over 400 researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's work encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to foster positive global change. The organization maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies, leading universities, and research institutions worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to impactful research and knowledge sharing. For further details, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), located in Guimarães, Portugal, is one of the 14 research and training institutes within the UNU system. Its mission is to assist UN Member States in transforming governance mechanisms and enhancing governance capabilities through strategic applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This role is crucial in contributing to sustainable development, social inclusion, and active citizenship. As a think tank and research unit, UNU-EGOV engages in both classical research and consultancy projects. The Core Research Programme for 2020-2024 focuses on 'Governance and digital transformation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies,' aiming to consolidate existing knowledge while exploring new avenues for inclusion, development, sustainability, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security on a global scale. The research topics include governance models for digital transformation, smart cities, regulatory issues, technology-enabled innovation, big data, and AI, among others. Successful candidates will be part of international, multidisciplinary project teams, contributing to research, projects, and activities aligned with UNU-EGOV's core research areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected Government Fellows will be engaged for a period of three months, with two fellows recruited for each quarter starting on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 annually. The application cut-off date is October 15 each year. Responsibilities include developing real-life case studies based on the applicant's organizational experience and UNU-EGOV research, translating research findings into applicable policy instruments, validating these instruments within their own organizations or countries, developing and reviewing project deliverables, disseminating project results, and contributing to the ongoing development of UNU-EGOV. Candidates are expected to align their research interests with at least one of the core research areas of UNU-EGOV.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a civil servant or international civil servant status within public administration, government, or intergovernmental organizations, holding executive or professional responsibilities related to public sector technology, modernization, and innovation. They should have national or international-level policy and project experience, along with a solid understanding of public sector and public policy issues. Desirable qualifications include the ability to work collaboratively in a team, strong organizational and communication skills, and the capacity to thrive in multicultural and multi-ethnic environments.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Informatics, Information Systems, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Management, Economics, Communication Sciences, Sociology, Law, or a related discipline is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in public administration or intergovernmental organizations, particularly in roles that involve public sector technology and innovation. Experience in policy development and project management at both national and international levels is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in other UN languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidates will be employed under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for a fixed duration of three months, based in Guimarães, Portugal. They will not hold international civil servant status nor be classified as 'staff members' under UN regulations. The monthly remuneration is EUR 745, with free accommodation provided in Guimarães (excluding utility costs), although candidates are expected to cover their own travel expenses and insurance. Applications must include a UNU P11 Form, a curriculum vitae, and a supporting letter from the applicant's organization, indicating their interest in the fellowship and potential collaboration with UNU-EGOV. The application deadline is set for October 15 each year, and candidates will undergo a selection process that includes a self-recorded video presentation for shortlisted applicants.