Closing Date: Monday, 15 April 2013
United Nations University
2 United Nations Plaza
Room DC2-2060
New York, New York 10017
Tel: 212-963-6387
Fax: 212-371-2144
POSITION: P-4REFERENCE NO.: 2013/UNU/HQ/RO/FTA/HO/16
LOCATION: New York, USA
CLOSING DATE: 2013/04/15
Organizational Unit: UNU Office of the Rector
United Nations University objectives
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Member States and Peoples. It serves 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 creative ideas and dialogue. In addition to the UNU Headquarters located in Tokyo, UNU has already established fifteen institutes and programmes worldwide.
Office of the Rector
The Office of the Rector assists the Rector in the exercise of his responsibilities as the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the University. This includes the establishment of general policy and direction and coordination in relation to the work of the University and its institutes and programmes. It also supports the Rector in his contacts with governments, United Nations and other international and national organizations and institutions, research institutes and universities, funding agencies, non-governmental organizations and the general public. UNU is searching for a Head of the UNU Office at the United Nations in New York. The incumbent, reporting to the Executive Officer, will be responsible for a wide range of institutional relations and liaison activities focusing in particular on linking up the University's academic work with the substantive departments and offices of the United Nations in New York.
Responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities of the Head of Office include the following:
- Represent the UNU Rector in New York;
- Establish and maintain high-level and working-level contacts and 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 UNU;
- Initiate a continuing dialogue with the Permanent Missions to the United Nations, New York, to inform them about UNU's academic work, research output and policy recommendations;
- Maintain liaison with the Rector and his senior colleagues, and Directors of institutes and programmes, with regard to developments within the United Nations system and with the Permanent Delegations to the United Nations, New York, as they relate to the programmes and activities of UNU;
- Organize UNU dissemination events, such as seminars, briefings, workshops and discussions at the United Nations for the Rector and his senior colleagues and Directors and staff of UNU institutes and programmes;
- Represent the Rector and other senior UNU officials as required in consultative and coordinating bodies within the United Nations system in New York;
- Assist in organizing and supporting UNU's participation in major UN meetings and events;
- In close consultation with the Head of Communications, Tokyo, maintain accurate and updated information flow vis-Ã -vis the public media;
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned.
Required qualifications and experience
- MA degree (or equivalent) in a field related to peace and security and/or development;
- Extensive knowledge of the structure and functioning of the United Nations system in general;
- Familiarity with the substantive departments/units of the United Nations Secretariat and other organizations and offices related to the UN in New York;
- Five years of work experience related to policy formulation/development;
- Demonstrated ability to network and build supportive relationships and linkages;
- Experience in working in a research institute or academic institution in a field related to UNU's academic programme would be desirable.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to prepare substantive documents, reports and briefs;
- Proven communication and interpersonal skills;
- Experience in the organization of public events such as seminars, lectures, briefings, and workshops;
- Fluency in both oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of other United Nations' official languages would be an asset;
- The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse national, cultural and religious backgrounds and with political representatives and diverse communities in both industrialized and developing countries.
RemunerationWe offer a competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-4 level commensurate to level of experience and allowances, including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change.
The post carries the standard set of United Nations benefits and entitlements for international positions in the UN Common Systems, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, an education grant, removal expenses and home leave. For more information, please visit www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm.
The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.
Duration of contractThis is a full-time fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for a period of two (2) years with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 62 years.
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
Starting date
As soon as possible.
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