Research associate (PSA, expert roster)

United Nations University; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing subsidy

Job summary

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) invites applications for a roster of experts to support its research and training programme. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, and leads policy advice and original research in development economics.

Responsibilities include contributing to the research programme, conducting capacity-building activities, and supervising junior researchers and PhD students under the Director’s

Qualifications

• PhD degree or equivalent in Economics, Development Economics or a related discipline.
• Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English. Knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Responsibilities

• Contribute effectively to the implementation of the UNU-WIDER research programme.
• Carry out teaching, training and supervision within the capacity building programme of the Institute, including guidance of junior researchers and PhD students.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Skills

Excellent drafting skills

Fluency in English

Interpersonal skills

Multicultural environment teamwork

Knowledge of UN languages (asset)

Education

PhD in Economics/Development Economics or related

Job description

UNU-WIDER is looking for outstanding individuals for the roster of experts with strong commitment and potential to support the research and training programme of the Institute.

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 solutions to the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information please visit www.unu.edu.

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research.

UNU-WIDER is looking for outstanding individuals for the roster of experts with strong commitment and potential to support the research and training programme of the Institute. For more information on UNU-WIDER and its work programme, please visit www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of the Institute, the Research Associate will:

• Contribute effectively to the implementation of the UNU-WIDER research programme;
• Carry out teaching, training and supervision within the capacity building programme of the Institute, including guidance of junior researchers and PhD students;
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD degree or equivalent in Economics, Development Economics or a related discipline;
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible relevant postgraduate work experience;
• Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English. Knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset;
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration of EUR 5,500.00 subject to submission of reports to the Director on the tasks accomplished at the end of each quarter during the contract period at 15 March, 15 June, 15 September and 15 December. It is inclusive of a housing subsidy of EUR 700.00 payable to applicants not residing in Finland/citizens of Finland.

Duration of contract

This is a full time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-WIDER with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. No relocation allowance applies.

Starting date: As soon as a position becomes available.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications online using this form and must upload the following:

• A cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• A copy of highest educational degree obtained.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).

Organizational unit

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

Reference number

2016/UNU/WIDER/PSA/RA/19