Institution: United Nations University (UNU) Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Deadline: March 31, 2014
Education: MA
Start date: July 2014 preferred

UNU mission
The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic arm of the United Nations system. Its mission is to contribute through collaborative research and postgraduate education, dissemination of knowledge and advisory services, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system and for UN Member States providing knowledge-based policy advice.

UNU Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
The new UNU Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) will undertake policy research related to issues of peace, international security and global development, drawing on work elsewhere in the UNU system and more widely. The Centre will aim to serve the United Nations by making its work available for the organization’s most pressing and urgent debates on which knowledge, analytical and other gaps continue to exist.

The UNU-CPR work programme will aim to (i) strengthen public policy research relevant to the UN; (ii) advocate change in policy frameworks to improve decision-making; and (iii) identify strategies for creating value in the dissemination of research.

Responsibilities
The Research Officers will support one of CPR’s two research programmes, on International Peace and Security and on Global Development. The Research Officers will report through the Senior Policy Adviser of the respective research programme to the Director of UNU-CPR. Both programmes will cover a wide range of issue areas high on the agenda of the United Nations and related policy communities.

The Research Officer’s responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, researching and collecting data on relevant issues; drafting policy briefs, research papers, meeting summaries, conference reports and correspondence; providing editing and drafting support; fact and citation checking; organizing, coordinating and attending seminars and conferences; and administrative support.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in public policy, political science, international relations, law, economics, international development, anthropology, or a related field;
• At least three (3) years of work experience in international relations, political affairs, conflict resolution or economic development;
• Excellent drafting and communication skills;
• Knowledge of and experience in the think-tank world or in policy development or analysis is desirable;
• Knowledge of the UN and of its functions and activities is desirable;
• The ability to interact with colleagues and others of diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Proven commitment to issues of human development and international security; and
• Fluency in English; fluency in at least one other official language of the United Nations is desirable.
• Some field experience would be an additional advantage. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Duration of contract
The period of initial contract would be for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The mandatory retirement age in the United Nations is 62.

Starting date
It is hoped that the appointee will take up the position in July 2014.

See post on Idealist.org and full details on UNU’s original post.