United Nations 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.
About UNU-WIDER
UNU-WIDER is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.
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.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of Research Fellow, the Research Associate, Inequality Between and Within Countries will maintain Inequality Datasets, conduct research on inequality and development economics, and support the general implementation of the Equality work program. More specifically, the Research Associate will:
1. Effectively maintaining and strengthening the World Income Inequality Dataset (WIID):
* Contribute to the maintenance, updating, and further development of the WIID, including yearly updates;
* Conduct data validation, documentation and quality assurance processes related to WIID;
* Supervise the work of external consultants by providing technical and academic guidance;
* Develop academic research and policy documents on between and within-country inequality.
2. Conducting research in support of the Institute's programme of work more broadly on inequality focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Produce research papers individually or in collaboration with others at own initiative, related to the WIDER work programme, but not necessarily only part of the projects above;
* Contribute to building evidence base on the links between inequality and related thematic area including poverty, taxation, climate change and social program;
* Undertake statistical, econometric and other analyses, and synthesize key findings;
* Write policy briefs, blogs, academic journal papers and internal briefing papers.
3. Helping to convene events, multi-stakeholder meetings and discussions focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Assist in organising regular online and offline convening activities, such as the annual WIDER Development Conferences and other events involving researchers, innovators, non-governmental representatives or any other stakeholders;
* Identify speakers, resource persons, documenters and scribes for relevant events and facilitate their engagement and participation;
* Undertaking documentation of above activities, production and dissemination in various forms; and;
* Manage event logistics and provide on-site support for any convening activities.
4. Programme Support, and Education and Capacity Development
* Supervision of visiting PhD Fellows;
* Other tasks of relevance for the implementation of the work programme.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
* Timely and quality delivery of planned research publications.
* Timely and quality delivery of other outputs (dissemination, organization of events, supervision of PhD fellows, etc.).
* Quality and level of engagement with other researchers, teams, consultants, and partners.
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
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
* PhD (completed or about to be completed in the coming year) in economics, political science, or a related discipline with strong quantitative skills.
2) Required skills and experience
* A minimum of two (2) years of work/research experience.
* Research publications on Inequality analysis or development economics in relevant journals or reputable working paper series.
* Proven skills in STATA and R and other data analysis software.
* PhD level competencies in quantitative research.
* Knowledge of advanced econometric techniques.
* International experience and readiness to travel internationally.
* Excellent time management skills.
* Ability to work independently.
* Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Desired
* Skills in Python, or other statistical software.
* Experience in policy research and writing policy briefs and blogs.
* Experience of work in a low- and middle-income country setting.
3) Language Requirements:
* Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English.
* Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://careers.unu.edu/o/research-associate-psa-inequality-between-and-within-countries
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 (https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funu.edu%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-02%2FUNU-P11_Personal-History-Form.docx&data=05%7C02%7Crvandasan%40unu.edu%7C0da8aac2f5b34d0060b108dc30fa35b9%7Cb9fc8add5f9141cca6c8f00214e01d4b%7C0%7C0%7C638439098415716552%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GFMmcc7T7QfiXkzH98JPjMqFJyZ0F8NpT8mYd%2FbMfTc%3D&reserved=0) (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
* 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 (https://i.unu.edu/media/unu.edu/page/24952/Values-and-Behaviours-Framework_Final.pdf) for more information.