Jobs at United Nations in Saudi Arabia

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

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.

The position

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.

Responsibilities

The Knowledge Management & Communications Manager will have primary responsibility for leading, developing, implementing, and monitoring of the advocacy and communication strategy, alongside knowledge management and dissemination function for UNU-IIGH. This includes identifying policy-relevant engagement and dissemination opportunities in Malaysia, regionally, and globally, supporting the institution’s convening activities, monitoring and evaluating of knowledge management and advocacy, communication activities, curating and updating mailing lists for institute-wide and work package-specific activities, and performing other tasks as assigned by the Director.

The Knowledge Management & Communications Manager will work closely with the Lead for Strategy and the Programme Support and Research teams to:

Develop and implement the advocacy, communication and dissemination strategy (2025-28):

• Demonstrate substantial experience in the global health and development domain and as member of the Senior Management Team, contribute to the overall UNU IIGH strategy implementation and monitoring.

• Work with the Director, and the research/programs team to develop and implement the Communications and Advocacy strategy.

• Serve as the institutional communications focal point, representing IIGH in inter-institutional fora within across Malaysia especially the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), regionally across ASEAN and globally.

• Develop creative and innovative ideas and identify key opportunities to advance impact of UNU-IIGH's work locally, regionally, and globally through effective communication and advocacy.

Lead advocacy, communication and knowledge management activities that enable the implementation of the UNU and IIGH strategy:

• Manage the communications budget and workplans (annually and for 2026-27).

• Lead, branding, packaging of information to be disseminated to internal and external partners in an effective manner.

• Assume editorial responsibility for communications content including blogs, news articles, podcast and video series.

• Oversee IIGH’s online platforms, including websites and social media, monitor, and analyse digital data indicators, develop quarterly reports, and provide recommendations to increase online traffic and engagement.

• Work with the four research teams to lead on and deliver project specific webinars, podcasts and seminar series.

• Curate mailing lists for institute-wide and work package-specific activities and promote engagement in events through targeted communication.

• Oversee the management of information within the organization including the update

• and maintenance of the Institute’s contributions to UNU Collections.

• Work with internal and external partners to organize, convene, and support in-person and virtual policy engagement activities including policy dialogues.

• Expand UNU-IIGHs networks of journalists, publication/media houses...etc (in Malaysia, regionally, globally).

• Support capacity building activities for comms and advocacy within the Institute in close collaboration with the Capacity Strengthening lead.

Manage monitoring, evaluation and systems:

• Establish, maintain and implement processes to enable monitoring and evaluation of knowledge management, advocacy and communication activities in line with IIGH and UNU reporting requirements.

• Ensure that the information needs of the organization are met in a timely, effective, and efficient manner including through the design of systems for efficient storage and retrieval of information

• Conduct regular evaluation of communications impact including developing an annual monitoring framework that aligns and feeds into the overall UNU IIGH Strategy Monitoring Framework, and adjust the Advocacy and Communications strategy as needed.

• Work with the Director and the Strategy Lead on the production of the UNU-IIGH Annual Report and reporting to the UNU-IIGH IAB.

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:

• An advanced University Degree (Masters) in Communications, Media or a related field with expertise in Knowledge Management related to Global Health.

• Extensive knowledge of the global health landscape and key fora for policy influence especially in the areas of climate and health, gender and health, digital health governance and power and accountability deficit.

• Experienced in working with a large range of stakeholders including donors and partners in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment especially in ASEAN and globally.

• Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years' work experience in advocacy and communications management, preferably in a research think tank, international intergovernmental organization or NGO with a focus on Global Health and Sustainable Development.

• At least five (5) years of experience in the advocacy, communications field, planning, writing, editing, and producing communications through a variety of print and online media with a focus on Global Health.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluency in English essential. Knowledge of another official UN language is a significant advantage

• Exceptional interpersonal, and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to convey messages through clear and concise communication.

• Independent worker with line management experience for a small team (2-3 members).

• Strong Experience with organizing and delivering webinars and online learning platforms. Photography and/or video production skills.

• Demonstrated experience in media engagement, including building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage (locally and internationally)

• Experience managing websites and social media. Drupal and Google and social media Analytics experience is an advantage

• Experience curating and managing audience databases and contact management platforms such as CiviCRM and Mailchimp

• High level of competency with MS Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with Canva or other design software is an advantage.

• Peoplesoft or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is an advantage.

• Experience with live streaming (i.e Streamyard, Youtube) or other online platforms for events

• Strong attention to details

Remuneration and Duration of Contract
The successful candidate will be employed under an International Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including an annual net salary in the range ofUSD59,151 – USD62,024,commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days 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.

The duration of the initial contract is one year. 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: 21 July 2025 (11.59pm MYT)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants 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 organization. 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 alsoretain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at thesame grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience and educational requirements.

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