Senior Research Fellow

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07 March 2011
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
HELSINKI, FINLAND
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW (P-5)
Organizational Unit : United Nations University – World Institute for Development
Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)
Reference Number : 2011/UNU/WIDER/FTA/RF/12
Applications to : By Post:
United Nations University-World Institute for Development
Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Katajanokanlaituri 6 B, FI-
00160 Helsinki, Finland.
By Fax: +358-9-61599333
By Email: vacancyP5@wider.unu.edu
Closing Date : 19 April 2011
United Nations University Objectives:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in
research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in
furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of
UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing
global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more
information please visit www.unu.edu.
About UNU-WIDER:
UNU-WIDER, a research and training centre of the United Nations University located in Helsinki,
Finland, is looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment to conduct research
and capacity building in the area of the Institute’s work programme. For more information on
UNU-WIDER and its work programme, please see www.wider.unu.edu.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority and overall supervision of the Director of the Institute, the Senior Research
Fellow will:
1. Design, undertake, and co-ordinate research in one or more areas of the Institute’s work
programme. Duties entail preparation of project discussion notes, the identification and
briefing of contributors to projects, the co-ordination and supervision of their intellectual
contributions, writing of research papers, the organization of research meetings, and the
editing of books and other material for the UNU-WIDER publications series.
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2. Contribute to the management of the Institute’s activities, including the identification and
development of research projects; the organization of meetings and conferences; and some
fund-raising activities.
3. Organize dissemination activities, including the organization of book launches and the
preparation of material for the media.
4. Be responsible, as required, for teaching, training, supervision, and other academic
activities in the area of her/his specialty within the Institute’s approved work programme.
5. Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director.
Required qualifications:
• PhD in Development Economics, Economics, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively relevant work experience, including managing
research programmes in academic, research or other institutions.
• Teaching and research supervision experience is required.
• Proven track record of high quality academic and policy publications in the field of
study.
• Strong background in applied research in an international environment.
• Professional experience in an international organization and familiarity with United
Nations systems will be of value.
• Experience in managing and seeking research funding from donors and international
funding agencies.
• Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other official UNU
languages is an asset.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work
in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Remuneration:
Remuneration will be offered at the initial step at P-5 level of the United Nations salary scale
for professional staff. The post carries the standard set of United Nations
entitlements/benefits, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund,
the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible
children, 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 Rector reserves the
right to appoint suitable candidate at a lower level than advertised.
Duration of contract:
This is a full time employment. Initial appointment will be on fixed term appointment of two
years with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to
requirements and satisfactory work performance. The mandatory age of retirement for United
Nations staff is 62 years old. 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. Applications from suitably qualified women
candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
Starting date:
It is expected that the appointee will take up the position by August 2011 or earlier, subject to
negotiation.
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by email or mail before the
application closing date and must include the following:
• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements
of the position;
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07 March 2011
• a curriculum vitae with a completed and signed United Nations University Personal
History form (P-11) downloadable from United Nations University website at
www.unu.edu/employment. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United
Nations organizations;
• A list of publications and recent writing samples; and full contact information of three
referees; and the application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy
announcement (2011/UNU/WIDER/FTA/RF/12)
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applications will neither be
acknowledged nor returned. Please note that applications received after the closing date will
not be considered.