Head, Research and Training (FTA)

About UN University (UNU)

The 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, visit http : / / unu.edu

United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU‑INWEH)

UNU‑INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Canada, is one of 13 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU‑INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people. UNU‑INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on‑the‑ground scalable science‑based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director and as a member of the Office of the Director’s team, the Head of Research and Training will play a key role in supporting the Institute in the successful implementation of its strategic plan (2025‑2029) through contribution to leading, coordinating, and implementing research projects and academic programmes, engagement with external partners, and delivering high‑quality outputs. Key responsibilities include :

1. Research and Programme Management

• Co‑lead the design, planning, and coordination of research and capacity‑development projects in line with UNU‑INWEH’s Strategic Plan (2025‑2029)
• Identify and contribute to emerging issues in the water, environment, and health domains that are of relevance to the United Nations, member states, and policymakers, and translate them into actionable research and policy initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate the preparation of project proposals, concept notes, budgets, results frameworks, and donor submissions, in collaboration with senior staff and relevant administrative colleagues.
• Support and manage the resource‑mobilisations activities, including drafting progress and financial reports and coordinating inputs for donor communications, under the guidance of the Director and in cooperation with the Finance and Partnerships teams.
• Work closely with the focal points of the five interconnected thematic work areas of the Institute during the 2025‑2029 period to ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.

2. Academic Research and Knowledge Generation

3. Education and Capacity Development

4. Programme Management and Institutional Development

5. Outreach, Communication, and Impact

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key performance indicators

Competencies

Values :

Behaviours :

1) Education and certification

2) Required skills and experience

3) Desired skills and experience

4) Language Requirements

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see : https : / / careers.un.org / lbw / home.aspx?viewtype=SAL

Duration of contract

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed‑term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed‑term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Starting Date

Immediate

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that :

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

Application Deadline

8 February 2026

Submissions must be received by 11 : 59PM EST on the deadline; late entries will not 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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They 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.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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