UNU jobs

Latest open roles

• Research Associate - Blended Finance & PPPs in Global Health

  United Nations University · 🇲🇾 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  The United Nations University (UNU) seeks a Research Associate to support policy research on blended finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in global health. The role involves analyzing data and documentation on blended finance healthcare funds, mapping evidence gaps, drafting research summaries, and supporting case study design. The position also includes project administration tasks such as coordinating meetings, maintaining research repositories, and assisting with stakeholder engagement and an international expert meeting in 2027. The successful candidate will work with a senior research team and external academic experts, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations for low and middle-income countries. The position offers exposure to global health financing research and policy-making processes.

  718 Research/Training Closes Jun 22, 2026

• Assistant (CTC1)

  United Nations University · 🇯🇵 Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

  The Assistant will support research and community activities related to traditional gardens and community green spaces in Kanazawa and surrounding areas for the Sustainable Urban Nature Project under the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Key responsibilities include organizing information, supporting events, assisting communication between researchers and local stakeholders, arranging interviews, taking notes, supporting transcription and translation (Japanese–English), organizing and summarizing interview data, preparing summaries of discussions, supporting event logistics, documenting activities, preparing presentation materials and reports, and maintaining project documentation. The role requires strong organizational skills, experience in research support and community engagement, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The position is a consultancy role with a daily fee of JPY 15,800, totaling JPY 758,400 for a maximum of 48 days, with work scheduled up to 3 days per week. The position is based in Tokyo, Japan, and requires fluency in English and working knowledge of other UN official languages.

  715 Research/Training Closes Jun 15, 2026

• Science-Policy Visiting Fellow - Emerging tech and verification processes (BWC/UNODA/UNIDIR)

  United Nations University · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Genève, Switzerland

  The United Nations University (UNU) is seeking a Science-Policy Visiting Fellow to work on research related to emerging technologies and verification processes in the context of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The fellow will conduct policy-relevant research on how technologies such as AI, synthetic biology, and advanced sensing can contribute to compliance and verification in the BWC, while bringing Global South perspectives to biosecurity governance. Responsibilities include producing analytical reports, engaging with diplomats and scientists in Geneva, organizing workshops, and contributing to academic publications. The position is based in Geneva with no remote work allowed. Candidates must be from the Global South and have a PhD or Master's with 3+ years of policy-relevant research experience in science and technology policy. The fellowship is a 6-month consultant contract with a monthly stipend of CHF 5,500 and a lump sum for travel and expenses.

  713 Research/Training

• Science-Policy Visiting Fellow - Data Governance CSTD

  United Nations University · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Genève, Switzerland

  The United Nations University (UNU) is seeking a Science-Policy Visiting Fellow to work on research related to data governance for development, in collaboration with the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). The role focuses on producing policy-relevant research addressing structural asymmetries in data access, infrastructure, and ownership, particularly affecting LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. The fellow will engage with stakeholders in Geneva, organize workshops, and contribute to academic outputs. The position is based in Geneva, requires on-site presence, and is open only to candidates from the Global South. The fellowship is a six-month, non-renewable consultant contract with a monthly stipend of CHF 5,500 and a lump sum for travel and health insurance.

  712 Research/Training

• Junior Research Consultants - 2 positions

  United Nations University · 🇵🇹 Guimaraes, Braga, Portugal

  The United Nations University (UNU) seeks two Junior Research Consultants to support its UNU-EGOV unit in Guimarães, Portugal. The role involves contributing to a dynamic portfolio of work at the intersection of digital transformation and public sector innovation. Responsibilities include supporting consultancy and advisory assignments, conducting research and literature reviews, collecting and analyzing information, assisting with report drafting and policy outputs, organizing events, and supporting project monitoring and communications. The position is ideal for early-career professionals with a relevant master's degree, though candidates with a PhD or 1-2 years of professional experience are also considered. The role requires strong analytical, organizational, and drafting skills, with a focus on working flexibly across tasks and teams in a multicultural environment. Successful candidates will have opportunities to grow into more substantive roles over time.

  710 Research/Training

• Library Internship

  United Nations University · 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

  The United Nations University Library Internship offers a 6-month opportunity for postgraduate students (master's or doctoral level) to gain hands-on experience in academic librarianship. Interns will assist with library operations including cataloging, classification, reference services, and maintenance of library systems. The position is based at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, with limited remote work permitted. Interns will work full-time (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) and receive a monthly stipend to offset living costs. The internship supports the delivery of library services and contributes to planning and organization of library activities throughout the year. Candidates must be under 32 years of age, have fluent English proficiency, and demonstrate strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

  711 Research/Training Closes Jun 05, 2026

• Consultant (CTC4)

  United Nations University · 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

  The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is seeking a Consultant (CTC4) to support its higher education networks in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) activities. The role involves facilitating collaboration among member universities of UNU-IAS networks, organizing network activities, and supporting the development of network outputs. Key responsibilities include coordinating SDG University Platform (SDG-UP) activities, supporting the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), and facilitating inter-network taskforces. The Consultant will also assist with outreach and communication activities, support the annual HESI Global Forum, and contribute to strategies for involving other UNU Institutes in HESI activities. The position requires extensive experience in managing complex programs and projects, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

  709 Research/Training Closes Jun 09, 2026

• Programme Assistant, Postgraduate Degree and Training Programme (PSA2) RE-ADVERTISE

  United Nations University · 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

  The Programme Assistant supports the implementation of the Postgraduate Degree and Training Programme (PDT) at UNU-IAS in Tokyo. Key responsibilities include administrative support for academic affairs such as applications, admissions, enrolment, scholarship arrangements, academic calendar development, and student services including registration, housing, and insurance. The role also involves coordinating with partner institutions, managing administrative processes like payments and procurement, and supporting academic events and projects. The position requires strong organizational skills, experience in higher education administration, and proficiency in both English and Japanese. The role is based in Tokyo with potential travel.

  701 Research/Training Closes Jun 07, 2026

• Associate Academic Officer: Risk Modelling - Macro-economic (PSA-6)

  United Nations University · 🇩🇪 Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

  The Associate Academic Officer for Risk Modelling - Macro-economic role involves leading research, knowledge management, and dissemination on CLIMADA modelling, particularly focusing on macro-economic, displacement, and risk transfer modules. The position requires bridging advanced modeling efforts with project management, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs. Responsibilities include coordinating calibration and validation of modeling methods, integrating outputs into project cycles, facilitating communication between teams, supporting fundraising and networking activities, and contributing to teaching and publication efforts. The role demands strong technical skills in Python and climate risk analytics, along with excellent communication abilities to explain complex processes to non-experts. The successful candidate will work in Bonn, Germany, under the supervision of the Director of UNU-EHS and the Chief Climate Risk Strategist.

  703 Research/Training Closes May 08, 2027

• Associate Academic Officer: Risk Modelling - Loss and Damage (PSA-6)

  United Nations University · 🇩🇪 Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

  The Associate Academic Officer for Risk Modelling - Loss and Damage at UNU-EHS leads research and innovation in climate risk analytics using CLIMADA modeling for flood and drought hazards. Key responsibilities include developing advanced calibration and optimization techniques, bridging modeling efforts with project management, supporting fundraising and networking activities, and contributing to academic teaching and publications. The role requires strong quantitative skills, experience in climate risk analytics, and the ability to communicate complex modeling concepts to non-experts. The position is based in Bonn, Germany with a 1-year PSA contract potentially renewable up to 6 years total.

  704 Research/Training Closes May 08, 2027

• Adjunct Professor/Researcher on the Resource Nexus (Roster)

  United Nations University · 🇩🇪 Dresden, Sachsen, Germany

  The United Nations University (UNU) invites applications for an Adjunct Professor/Researcher position on the Resource Nexus, to support UNU-FLORES' research, innovation, education, and capacity development initiatives. Candidates will contribute to research activities, policy analysis, publishing, and outreach related to integrated environmental resource management (water, soil, waste, energy, geo-resources) in developing and emerging economies. The role involves collaboration with junior and senior researchers, fundraising, and participation in institutional activities. This is an unpaid Academic Affiliation Agreement (AAA) or paid Consultant Contract (CTC) with a maximum duration of 12 months, extendable up to 24 months within 36 months. Selected candidates will be placed on a roster for future opportunities and may be engaged for specific deliverables. The position requires a PhD in integrated resource management, at least 5 years of post-PhD research experience, a track record of publications, and proficiency in English with German knowledge preferred. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments.

  46 Research/Training

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