Head, Equitable Development

About The Organisation United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York and operates a satellite office in Geneva, Switzerland. UNU-CPR’s core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centre’s work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination. About The Role This is a New York based position. This senior leadership role within UNU-CPR will drive strategic programmes focusing on sustainable finance, MDB reform, and international financial architecture reform. Working across our three pillars, you’ll collaborate closely with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies and global partners, to innovate and advocate for equitable economic policies that bridge development finance gaps and promote inclusive growth. Key roles and responsibilities Design an impactful work programme Develop a programme strategy for the pillar with clear beneficiaries and a theory of impact. Identify priority policy processes, institutions, and States that will benefit from the Equitable Development Pillar. Leverage and build upon existing UNU-CPR contributions to the fields of global economic cooperation in international financial architecture reform, drawing on your specific academic expertise and networks. Define target policy audiences, drawing on UNU-CPR’s network and your own; develop a clear engagement strategy; demonstrate uptake of the Pillar’s research findings and recommendations. Identify synergies with research programmes across UNU and across UNU-CPR, and invest in joint research projects and collaborative fundraising. Fundraise to support the financial sustainability of this pillar Identify donors, fundraising pathways, and new partners to support work in this pillar. Meet the Centre’s minimum fundraising targets established for each pillar. Attract and retain personnel that can contribute to the success of this pillar. Diversify UNU-CPR’s donor pool and build ties to relevant foundations. Direct, produce and disseminate targeted research, analysis, and commentary to UNU-CPR stakeholders Deliver a range of publications - long-form, editorial, and collaborative works that have high uptake potential in the UN system, targeted Member States, or other relevant organizations. Contribute to enhancing UNU-CPR’s visibility by serving as an expert contributor on high-level panels, expert roundtables, and in the media. Foster research collaborations that will consolidate expertise on issues relevant to this pillar. Organize high-level meetings and events drawing together key UNU-CPR stakeholders. Support management at UNU-CPR Support the UNU-CPR Director and administrative/management personnel as required to ensure sound and effective management and administration of the Centre and the Pillar team. Contribute to quality assurance processes that ensure high-quality outputs at UNU-CPR. Support requests from UNU Headquarters Be available to support the UNU Rector/UN Under-Secretary-General and Headquarters colleagues on any substantive and administrative requests that may be made, including system-wide initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors. Experience And Skills Education and certification A PhD in a relevant academic discipline is strongly preferred but may be substituted by an advanced degree and a strong publication record and professional experience in a relevant field, including but not limited to economics, law, political science, international relations, international development, or public policy. Required skills and experience Extensive knowledge of the United Nations, its principal agencies and bodies as well as programmes and operations in your area of expertise, ideally covering one or more of the following themes: development, economics, sustainable finance, climate finance, global economic cooperation. Familiarity with and, ideally, experience of UN-Member State dynamics and inter-governmental processes. At least 10 years of relevant policy research experience, or a combination of professional and research experience. Exceptional drafting ability and experience drafting/editing academic reports and shorter communications, including experience translating research for policy communities. Demonstrated success in fundraising and in managing donor relations. Excellent analytical and presentation skills. Self-direction and the ability to establish priorities, multitask and report work activities to management in a timely and proactive manner, and work within tight timelines. Solid interpersonal and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender parity. Comfort with a range of research methodologies and data analysis methods. Language Requirements Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset. Location Requirements This is a full-time position based in New York requiring a minimum number of days in office and frequent in-person meetings at the United Nations. Working from a remote location is not possible, nor is telecommuting for this role. Any candidate not able to commit to a full-time role in New York City will be disqualified. Initial one-year contract, 30 days of leave p.a. #J-18808-Ljbffr United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)