Job: Associate

Location: New York 
Deadline: Wednesday, 23 October 2013 

Description
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• POSITION:

  Personnel Service Agreement

  REFERENCE NO.:

  2013/UNU/ONY/PSA/ASSO/68

  LOCATION:

  New York, USA

  CLOSING DATE:

  2013

  • 10
  • 23 
    Organizational Unit: UNU Office at the United Nations in New York (UNU-ONY)

    United Nations University objectives
    

    UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and the dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building, particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and innovative ideas and dialogue.

    Responsibilities

    The Associate will be located in the United Nations University office at the United Nations in New York. Reporting to the Head of Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
    1. Convening, Research and Communications
       • Assists the office to organize policy discussions and research meetings to highlight the work of UNU and support the policy-development processes of the United Nations;
       • Under the supervision of the Head of Office, conducts own research into policy-relevant issues relating to the United Nations and sustainable development and/or security–development connections;
       • Works with the Head of Office to develop new in-house, convened and commissioned research on topical policy issues;
       • Develops a public profile for the office on sustainable development and security/development issues through public communications, including curating and managing a social media presence.
    2. Representation and Liaison
    • Supports the Head of Office in the representation of the Rector of UNU in New York, including through substituting for the Head of Office in official representational duties;
    • Supports the office's efforts to inform UNU staff of key developments in the UN system;
    • Participates in the office's ongoing dialogue with the Permanent Missions to the United Nations, New York, to inform them about the UNU's academic work, research output and policy recommendations — with a particular emphasis on sustainable development;
    • Maintains active dialogue with the UN Secretariat, other United Nations and international organizations, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions, foundations and other funding sources as well as individual scholars and others interested in the work of the UNU — with a particular emphasis on sustainable development;
    • Assists in organizing and supporting the UNU's participation in major UN meetings and events — especially relating to sustainable development.

    Required qualifications and experience

    • Postgraduate degree in a field related to international affairs, development or sustainability;
    • Minimum four (4) years of work experience, predominantly in policy formulation and development, advocacy, public communication, or field programming, with a track record of academic publications;
    • Experience working in a research institute or academic institution in a field related to sustainable development is a plus;
    • Extensive knowledge of the structure and functioning of the United Nations system and familiarity with the substantive departments/units of the United Nations Secretariat and other organizations and offices related to the UN and its intergovernmental processes, in particular as they relate to sustainable development;
    • Experience in dealing with media, or a track record of publishing in non-academic contexts, is a plus;
    • Experience operating or curating a corporate social media account is a plus;
    • Excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English are required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage;
    • Ability to work under minimal supervision and with a high level of resilience;
    • Strong ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines;
    • Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

    Remuneration
    

    Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and level of responsibilities.

    Duration of contract
    

    This is a full-time position on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance.
     
    The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a "staff member" as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
     
    Applications from suitably qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged.

    Starting date

    As soon as possible.

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