Head, Research and Training; FTA

Position: Head, Research and Training (FTA)

About UN 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.

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United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU‑INWEH)

UNU‑INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Canada, is one of 13 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU‑INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people.

UNU‑INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on‑the‑ground scalable science‑based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director and as a member of the Office of the Director’s team, the Head of Research and Training will play a key role in supporting the Institute in the successful implementation of its strategic plan (2025‑2029) through contribution to leading, coordinating, and implementing research projects and academic programmes, engagement with external partners, and delivering high‑quality outputs.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Research and Programme Management

• Co‑lead the design, planning, and coordination of research and capacity‑development projects in line with UNU‑INWEH’s Strategic Plan (2025‑2029)
• Identify and contribute to emerging issues in the water, environment, and health domains that are of relevance to the United Nations, member states, and policymakers, and translate them into actionable research and policy initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate the preparation of project proposals, concept notes, budgets, results frameworks, and donor submissions, in collaboration with senior staff and relevant administrative colleagues.
• Support and manage the resource‑mobilisations activities, including drafting progress and financial reports and coordinating inputs for donor communications, under the guidance of the Director and in cooperation with the Finance and Partnerships teams.
• Work closely with the focal points of the five interconnected thematic work areas of the Institute during the 2025‑2029 period to ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.

2. Academic Research and Knowledge Generation

• Conduct and publish high‑quality, policy relevant research in the Institute’s expertise domains and thematic work areas.
• Author and co‑author peer‑reviewed articles, policy briefs, and technical reports that advance UNU‑INWEH’s research visibility and policy influence.
• Collaborate with academic and UN partners to develop interdisciplinary methodologies and evidence‑based policy tools.
• Ensure scientific rigor, ethical research standards, and adherence to UNU publication guidelines in all outputs.
• Represent UNU‑INWEH in international and regional scientific meetings, workshops, and conferences.

3. Education and Capacity Development

• Design and deliver teaching modules, workshops, and e‑learning courses in UNU‑INWEH’s thematic areas.
• Supervise and mentor staff,…