Director, UNU-WIDER (D1) | United Nations University (UNU)
Organization: UNU-WIDER
Job Level: D1 (Director)
Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term
Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
Starting Date: March/April 2026
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU conducts policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, addressing global challenges in sustainability, human security, and economic development. With research centers in 12 countries, UNU collaborates with UN entities and leading academic institutions worldwide. Learn more at unu.edu.
About UNU-WIDER
The UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), is a globally recognized development economics think tank. Established in 1985, UNU-WIDER conducts research, provides policy advice, and promotes sustainable development. It serves as a bridge between academia, policy, and development practice. More details at wider.unu.edu.
Position Overview: Director, UNU-WIDER (D1)
The Director of UNU-WIDER leads one of the world’s premier research institutes on development economics. Reporting to the UNU Rector, the Director is responsible for overseeing UNU-WIDER’s research agenda, strategic partnerships, funding strategy, and overall management. The role requires a distinguished academic and leadership profile, strong policy engagement, and expertise in development economics.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Strategic Management
- Serve as Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of UNU-WIDER.
- Lead the institute’s research, policy engagement, and capacity development activities.
- Manage personnel, budget, and donor relations while ensuring internal quality control.
- Build and sustain partnerships with UN agencies, governments, think tanks, and academia.
- Promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within UNU-WIDER.
2. Research & Policy Engagement
- Oversee the implementation of UNU-WIDER’s high-impact, policy-relevant research.
- Ensure research findings influence UN policies, governments, and international organizations.
- Strengthen UNU-WIDER’s reputation as a leading center for development economics.
3. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
- Develop and execute a sustainable funding strategy.
- Secure financial support from governments, international organizations, and private donors.
- Guide researchers in preparing successful funding proposals and research collaborations.
4. Representation & Advocacy
- Represent UNU-WIDER at global conferences, UN meetings, and high-level forums.
- Expand UNU-WIDER’s influence within the UN System and international development community.
- Strengthen partnerships with think tanks, universities, and policy institutions worldwide.
Key Qualifications
Education:
- PhD in Economics or a closely related field.
Experience:
- 15+ years of progressive experience in development economics or a related discipline.
- 5+ years in a senior managerial role, overseeing complex research programs.
- Proven track record in leading high-impact research initiatives with policy influence.
- Strong experience in fundraising, donor relations, and financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with governments, international organizations, and policymakers.
Skills & Competencies:
- Leadership & Strategy: Visionary leadership with the ability to drive UNU-WIDER’s mission.
- Research Excellence: Strong publication record in development economics.
- Policy Engagement: Ability to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.
- Fundraising & Resource Mobilization: Success in securing multi-source funding.
- Partnerships & Networking: Strong connections within UN agencies, academia, and development sectors.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Finnish or another UN language is an asset.
Compensation & Benefits
- Tax-exempt annual salary (D1 level).
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Dependency benefits, pension plan, and health insurance.
- More details at careers.un.org.
Contract Duration
- Initial 2-year contract, renewable for up to 8 years based on performance.
- Mandatory retirement age: 65 years.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must:
- Submit an application via the official UNU link.
- Complete the UNU P11 Form (different from other UN forms).
- Provide a motivation statement in the application.
- Answer position-specific questions.
Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
- Submissions must be received by midnight Eastern European Time (EET).
- Late applications will not be accepted.
Assessment Process
- Qualified candidates will undergo an assessment exercise.
- Finalists will be invited for competency-based interviews.
- Background checks and reference verifications will be conducted.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
UNU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are encouraged from women, individuals from developing countries, and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. UNU has a zero-tolerance policyon misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse of authority.
About UNU Rosters
- UNU reserves the right to maintain a roster of qualified candidates for future vacancies.
- Applicants for this role may also be considered for similar positions within UNU.
Why Join UNU-WIDER?
- Lead a globally renowned development economics institute.
- Engage in high-impact research and policymaking.
- Work in Helsinki, Finland, a city known for innovation and quality of life.
- Collaborate with UN agencies, top universities, and development organizations.
- Contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Apply today and make a global impact!
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