Head of Research
United Nations University (UNU)
Posted
Dec 09, 2025
Location
Remote
Type
Full-time
Mission
What you will drive
United Nations UniversityHomepageUnited Nations UniversityHomepage
Head of Research (FTA - P4)
- On-site
- Macau SAR, Macao SAR, China
- UNU-Macau
Fixed-term Appointment, an UN International Professional (Academic) position in the Research Team of UNU Macau. A unique experience to this city in the east, with proximity to the Greater Bay Area.
Job detailsApply
Job description
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, please visit http://unu.edu
About the Institute
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is dedicated to research, training, and education on digital technologies for sustainable development. It promotes evidence-based actions and policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNU Macau is located in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the only UN entity in the city. Situated within the Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, UNU Macau benefits from its proximity not only to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR but also to many other Asian countries, offering unique opportunities for researchers and experts to maximize research impact. For more information, visit macau.unu.edu.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Institute Director, the Head of Research is responsible for invigorating and expanding the Institute’s research programmes. The role encompasses the following core responsibilities:
1. Build and lead a high-quality research team
-
Align team objectives with the strategic priorities of UNU and the Institute by identifying key research areas.
-
Collaborate with Senior Researchers to define performance goals and KPIs (e.g. annual publication targets, fundraising benchmarks and research achievements..etc) for the Institute, as well as for the individual researchers.
-
Monitor progress toward institutional benchmarks. Implementing corrective actions as needed.
-
Conduct performance evaluations to foster accountability and growth.
-
Manage travel and requisition budget and approve requests based on strategic relevance and value to Institute’s priorities.
-
Design career development plans for research team staff.
2. Drive research fundraising strategies
-
Develop research team fundraising strategies with the team. Lead the fundraising efforts.
-
Guide and supervise the project teams in setting realistic funding goals and identifying viable pathways to achieve them.
-
Manage funded project activities and monitor progress on project development and submissions, progress reports, financial statements to ensure compliance with donor requirements
-
Select and recommend suitable donors aligned with the Institute’s research mission and portfolio.
-
Support grant proposal development to improve approval rates and increase external funding. Provide actionable feedback to enhance fundraising outcomes.
3. Uphold research excellency in research assurance and increase the Institute’s visibility
-
Provide inputs and review mechanisms on research design, implementation, outputs and deliverables.
-
Ensure academic rigor and credibility in all research outputs.
-
Advise and monitor publication targets, conference participation, and dissemination strategies.
-
Enhance the policy relevance of research at UN, regional, and national levels.
-
Promote and ensure a culture of research integrity, ethics, and transparency.
-
Showcase the Institute’s research and achievements through different channels such as, but not limited to, publications, scientific meetings or conference, and global forums.
-
Strengthen the Institute’s presence by actively engaging in professional and academic networks.
4. Support Director in developing and implementing Institute strategic plans and support additional management functions of the Institute
-
Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Institute’s strategic and implementation plans (e.g. for year 2026-2030) outlining the Institute’s 5-year vision and research trajectory.
-
Drive implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and stakeholder expectations.
-
Organize regular research meetings and lead interdisciplinary discussions and brainstorm sessions
-
Participate in the Institute Advisory Board meetings.
-
Undertake additional responsibilities of leadership of the Institute. Act as a second Certifying Officer of the Institute.
5. Individual research and fundraising responsibility
-
Conduct high-impact research that exemplifies academic excellence.
-
Pursue policy influence within the UN and at global, regional, and national levels.
-
Secure external funding and lead multi-disciplinary research projects
-
Support collaboration and partnership with the Institute’s academic partners or universities.
6. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Institute Management
Key performance indicators
-
Timely and quality development and implementation of the Institute’s academic strategy, research programmes, projects and workplan
-
Timely and quality delivery on Institute’s operational goals and research outputs
-
Quality and level of engagement with partners, related networks and working groups
-
UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
-
Research personnel achieve their goals and KPIs to produce high-quality research
-
Timely and quality delivery of curated fundraising opportunities
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 flexibil...
Profile
What makes you a great fit
United Nations UniversityHomepageUnited Nations UniversityHomepage
Head of Research (FTA - P4)
- On-site
- Macau SAR, Macao SAR, China
- UNU-Macau
Fixed-term Appointment, an UN International Professional (Academic) position in the Research Team of UNU Macau. A unique experience to this city in the east, with proximity to the Greater Bay Area.
Job detailsApply
Job description
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, please visit http://unu.edu
About the Institute
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is dedicated to research, training, and education on digital technologies for sustainable development. It promotes evidence-based actions and policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNU Macau is located in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the only UN entity in the city. Situated within the Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, UNU Macau benefits from its proximity not only to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR but also to many other Asian countries, offering unique opportunities for researchers and experts to maximize research impact. For more information, visit macau.unu.edu.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Institute Director, the Head of Research is responsible for invigorating and expanding the Institute’s research programmes. The role encompasses the following core responsibilities:
1. Build and lead a high-quality research team
-
Align team objectives with the strategic priorities of UNU and the Institute by identifying key research areas.
-
Collaborate with Senior Researchers to define performance goals and KPIs (e.g. annual publication targets, fundraising benchmarks and research achievements..etc) for the Institute, as well as for the individual researchers.
-
Monitor progress toward institutional benchmarks. Implementing corrective actions as needed.
-
Conduct performance evaluations to foster accountability and growth.
-
Manage travel and requisition budget and approve requests based on strategic relevance and value to Institute’s priorities.
-
Design career development plans for research team staff.
2. Drive research fundraising strategies
-
Develop research team fundraising strategies with the team. Lead the fundraising efforts.
-
Guide and supervise the project teams in setting realistic funding goals and identifying viable pathways to achieve them.
-
Manage funded project activities and monitor progress on project development and submissions, progress reports, financial statements to ensure compliance with donor requirements
-
Select and recommend suitable donors aligned with the Institute’s research mission and portfolio.
-
Support grant proposal development to improve approval rates and increase external funding. Provide actionable feedback to enhance fundraising outcomes.
3. Uphold research excellency in research assurance and increase the Institute’s visibility
-
Provide inputs and review mechanisms on research design, implementation, outputs and deliverables.
-
Ensure academic rigor and credibility in all research outputs.
-
Advise and monitor publication targets, conference participation, and dissemination strategies.
-
Enhance the policy relevance of research at UN, regional, and national levels.
-
Promote and ensure a culture of research integrity, ethics, and transparency.
-
Showcase the Institute’s research and achievements through different channels such as, but not limited to, publications, scientific meetings or conference, and global forums.
-
Strengthen the Institute’s presence by actively engaging in professional and academic networks.
4. Support Director in developing and implementing Institute strategic plans and support additional management functions of the Institute
-
Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Institute’s strategic and implementation plans (e.g. for year 2026-2030) outlining the Institute’s 5-year vision and research trajectory.
-
Drive implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and stakeholder expectations.
-
Organize regular research meetings and lead interdisciplinary discussions and brainstorm sessions
-
Participate in the Institute Advisory Board meetings.
-
Undertake additional responsibilities of leadership of the Institute. Act as a second Certifying Officer of the Institute.
5. Individual research and fundraising responsibility
-
Conduct high-impact research that exemplifies academic excellence.
-
Pursue policy influence within the UN and at global, regional, and national levels.
-
Secure external funding and lead multi-disciplinary research projects
-
Support collaboration and partnership with the Institute’s academic partners or universities.
6. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Institute Management
Key performance indicators
-
Timely and quality development and implementation of the Institute’s academic strategy, research programmes, projects and workplan
-
Timely and quality delivery on Institute’s operational goals and research outputs
-
Quality and level of engagement with partners, related networks and working groups
-
UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
-
Research personnel achieve their goals and KPIs to produce high-quality research
-
Timely and quality delivery of curated fundraising opportunities
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 flexibil...