Researcher - Longterm Governance - Fr.80'000 - Fr.88'000 A Year in Genève

Job Description United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy‑relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy‑relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU‑CPR) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU‑CPR headquarters are in New York, but this is an in‑person position based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Responsibilities This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in research and link scientific and scholarly communities to policymaking in the multilateral system. The Researcher is responsible for supporting the strategic direction, oversight, and research outputs of UNU‑CPR’s Long‑Term Governance and Futures Generations workstream. This includes managing relationships with existing and new donors, delivering on a joint Future Generations workplan with the Executive Office of the Secretary‑General, and building up a research portfolio within the overall strategy of the UNU‑CPR Geneva Office. UNU‑CPR is looking for a dynamic professional with experience in foresight, futures thinking, research on long‑term governance, and collaboration with UN and affiliated actors in the future generations space.

Strategic direction and oversight

Contribute to the UNU‑CPR Geneva Office’s overall strategy, with particular focus on future generations and long‑term governance;

Overseeexisting programmes within the future generations portfolio, including relations with partner organizations;

Supervise consultants associated with the future generations portfolio in coordination with the Head of Office;

Resource mobilisation

Strengthen the resource base for the future generations work of UNU‑CPR;

Track projectexpenditures and ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations, in close consultation with the operations team;

Manage donor relations and networks, including resource mobilisation activities for the programme’s research;

Research and knowledge production

Deliver research products on future generations and long‑term governance;

Coordinate closely with the communications team on any research outputs;

Supportand organise dissemination events and collaborations with partners.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

Timely and high‑quality research and writing;

Professional engagement with partners and stakeholders;

Regularand clear updates on research progress;

Demonstrated willingness to learn new skills and research approaches (e.G., behavioural science, methods of foresight);

Contributes to the reputation of the Geneva Office as a reliable, trustworthy, and dynamic actor in the policy ecosystem of Geneva and beyond.

Competencies Values

Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

Humility — demonstrate self‑awareness and willingness to learn from others

Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours

Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision‑making, propose evidence‑based solutions and plan action

Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

Education and certification: Master’s degree in international relations, foresight, futures studies, political science, business administration or a related field is required.

Required skills and experience:

At least three years of professional experience in foresight and/or futures thinking

Demonstrated ability to produce policy‑relevant research on long‑term governance in the multilateral system

Demonstrated ability to raise funds for policy research in the future generations space

Experience in working with UN actors and in multi‑cultural settings

Language Requirements: Fluency in English and French is required;

knowledge of another UNofficial working language is an asset.

Remuneration The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of CHF 80,000 – CHF 88,000, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme. UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract;

payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract The duration of the initial contract is 6 months. This is a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date By 1 June 2026

How To Apply

Apply via the apply link;

Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

Providea motivation statement in the P11 form;

Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline 24 April 2026. Submissions must be received by 12pm NY time on the deadline;

late entries willnot be accepted.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency‑based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector’s authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero‑tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender‑related issues.

Information About UNU Rosters UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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