Capacity Building Specialist (P3) (PSA)

UNU; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; USD 59,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international research institute in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Capacity Building Specialist to lead the advocacy and capacity building strategy. The role involves supporting training activities, engaging with stakeholders, and producing policy-relevant outputs. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in public health and possesses substantial experience in capacity building and public health research. This position offers a multicultural environment and is based in Kuala Lumpur.

Benefits

30 days of annual leave

Health insurance

Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience in public health research, policy, and/or programming.
• Sound knowledge and experience with capacity building.
• Proven experience in writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and policy briefs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the capacity building portfolio of the UNU-IIGH.
• Advise research leads on capacity building strategies.
• Establish and oversee performance indicators for capacity building.

Skills

Public health research

Capacity building

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in public health or a related discipline

Tools

Quantitative research techniques

Qualitative research techniques

Online learning platforms

Job description

About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission 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 the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

About the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.

Over the course of the previous strategic plan (2019-2023), UNU-IIGH has built a significant body of work to advance the integration of rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to health systems and institutions, contributing to the overarching SDG of health for all. Leveraging its position in the Global South and as an interlocutor across multiple stakeholder groups, including government, research and the private sector, through its new strategic plan for 2024-2028 the institute operates across 4 fundamental work packages. For details, please visit: https://unu.edu/iigh/our-work.

The position

The Capacity Building Specialist will have primary responsibility for leading, developing, implementing, and monitoring of the advocacy and capacity building strategy for UNU-IIGH. This includes identifying policy-relevant engagement and dissemination opportunities in Malaysia, regionally, and globally, supporting the institution’s capacity building activities. The successful candidate is expected to be based in Kuala Lumpur where he/she will enjoy an excellent multicultural environment and opportunities to interact with scholars and policy makers from different countries and diverse educational backgrounds.

The Capacity Building Specialist, under the leadership of the Director, will work closely with the Lead for Strategy and the Programme Support and Research teams to:

Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the Director, the Capacity Building Specialist will perform the following duties:

1. Coordinate, support, and execute the capacity building portfolio of the UNU-IIGH;

1. Advise research leads on capacity building strategies and jointly plan, monitor and evaluate activities across all work packages;

1. Coordinate, develop training and other activities for building individual and institutional capacities in keeping with strategic work package and UNU-IIGH objectives;

1. Manage the smooth delivery of trainings, MOOCs, and knowledge via digital platforms;

1. Establish and oversee key performance indicators for capacity building, providing regular reports to director and to be shared with the research leads to optimize performance and enhance impact;

1. Build and manage strategic partnerships with UN agencies, UNU institutes, and other diverse multiple stakeholders, and be the IIGH focal point for the capacity building activities;

1. Research and publish best practices in capacity building, producing relevant knowledge and publish policy-relevant outputs;

1. Ensure the capacity building programme produces specified results to the required standard of quality and within the timeline and budget parameters;

1. Participate in relevant local and international research, policy and training events to discuss best practices and present IIGH experiences;

1. Develop specific strategies for strengthening capacities, in line with UNU-IIGH objectives, within academia, government and civil society; and

1. Perform any other duties as may be required by the Director.

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

Required qualifications and experience for the position include:

• Completed a PhD in public health or a related discipline;

• 5 years of professional experience in public health research, policy, and/or programming;

• Sound knowledge and wide exposure to and experience with capacity building in theareas related to work packages;

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation of training programs;

• Proven experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques and data analysis;

• Familiarity with systematic approaches to searching and evaluating scientificliterature;

• Experience in writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and policy briefs;

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English;

• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience characteristics andpreferences;

• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; and

• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with partners by gaining their trust and respect.

Desirable

• Experience in working with a large range of stakeholders including donors and partners;

• Experience working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment;

• Experience in writing grant applications and donor reports;

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills including ability to identify issues withcontractual implications, ensuring consistent donor reporting and providing appropriateanalyses of activities;

• Knowledge of online learning platforms and digital tools for teaching; and

• Knowledge of Quantum or other ERP system is a plus

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract at P-3 leveland no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary of in the range ofUSD 59,151.00 and USD 62,024.00,commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days of 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 12 months. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

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

• Apply via the apply link;

• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations or else, will be disqualified);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

• 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: 17 August 2025 (11.59pm MYT)

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 do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. PSA holders 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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