Senior Research Officer

The United Nations University Institute on Computing and Society (UNU-CS) is a new research institute at the intersections of information and communication technologies and international development. Located in Macau SAR, China, UNU-CS focuses on the key challenges faced by developing societies through high-impact innovations in computing and communication technologies.

The Mission of UNU-CS Includes:

• Leading in investigating and inventing human centered information and communication technologies that address pressing global issues, such as: sustainability, development, governance, peace and security, human rights, and human dignity.
• Supporting policymakers, within the UN system and beyond, with actionable knowledge and thought-leadership.
• Nurturing the next generation of interdisciplinary computer scientists, social scientists and designers in developing countries.
• Embracing the enormous dynamism of the city of Macau and Pearl River Delta region while still working globally.

For more information, please visit http://cs.unu.edu.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of UNU-CS, the main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Research Officer include the following:

• In partnership with the Director, providing academic oversight for ongoing research projects and mentorship for academic personnel;
• Assist and support the fundraising efforts for continuing and new initiatives of the Institute such as devising new funding proposals;
• Assist in developing research programmes and carrying out research relevant to the work of UNU-CS at an international level;
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary research teams to deliver strong analytical work;
• Communicating research and project accomplishments at scientific meetings and international fora, and through publications;
• Supporting the Director in liaising with the host country authorities and member states representatives, UN agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations in relation to policy-relevant research programming;
• Manage and oversee research team capacity building activities in select research areas;
• Develop, plan, and manage academic and research activities as well as publication and dissemination efforts in select research areas;
• Monitor and evaluate research activities which include supervising the project leaders in drafting and submitting periodic reports; preparing descriptions of programme activities for various audiences, as required;
• Assist the Director in developing strategic partnerships with UN agencies, international donors, academic institutions and civil society organizations;
• Mentor and motivate team members to deliver highest quality research that is policy-relevant;
• Supervise a limited number of Fellows and Research Assistants;
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in a computing or social science field related to the work of UNU-CS;
• At least five (5) years of work experience related to the nexus of computing and development;
• Strong background in international, policy-relevant research;
• Proven track record of fundraising for international projects;
• Proven track record of high-quality academic and policy publications;
• Previous management experience in an academic/research institution is an asset;
• Strong communication and presentation skills, along with excellent drafting skills;
• Fluency in both oral and written English. Knowledge of other official UN languages is an asset;
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration:

We offer a competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-3/P-4 level and allowances including post adjustment. Salaries of P-3 / P-4 will be from USD$ 72,478 and USD$ 88,351 per annum respectively. 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, education grant, removal expenses and home leave. For more information about United Nations salary and entitlement/benefits, please visit: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm.

UNU reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

Duration of Contract:

This is a full time fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for a period of one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds, with the combined duration of fixed-term appointments not exceeding six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 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.

Starting Date: As soon as possible.