The United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) has announced applications for a Researcher (Consultant) position within its Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI) project.

Based in New York City with a hybrid working arrangement, the role offers an annual remuneration package of USD 110,004, alongside additional health insurance support.

The opportunity is ideal for experienced researchers, policy professionals, and global governance experts seeking to contribute to innovative multilateral solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) serves as the academic and research arm of the United Nations system. Established over five decades ago, UNU conducts policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge-sharing activities that support the goals and principles of the United Nations.

With research institutes operating across multiple countries, UNU focuses on advancing solutions related to:

Sustainable development
Human security
Economic development
International cooperation
Climate and environmental challenges
Global governance and public policy

Through its work, UNU helps policymakers and institutions address complex global issues while supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About the Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI)

The successful candidate will join UNU-CPR’s Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI), a multi-year initiative designed to help governments and international institutions develop innovative multilateral mechanisms capable of addressing contemporary global challenges.

The platform documents and analyzes governance innovations from across 80 years of international cooperation, identifying practical lessons that can strengthen future global institutions.

GGI’s work includes:

Governance case studies
Policy research
Historical analysis
Data visualizations
Strategic policy engagement
Multilateral institution-building support

The project supports UN Member States and stakeholders seeking effective solutions to global issues ranging from development challenges to emerging planetary risks.

Position Overview

The Researcher will play a central role in advancing the GGI initiative through research, stakeholder engagement, publications, and policy outreach.

The consultant will conduct in-depth research on governance innovations while helping organize strategic convenings, policy briefings, expert dialogues, and public engagement activities.

The role is offered as a 16-month consultant contract, with an anticipated start date of September 2026, although an August start may be possible.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

The selected candidate will:

Develop research topics relevant to global governance innovation
Conduct policy analysis and data gathering
Identify priority intergovernmental processes and institutions
Produce new governance case studies
Conduct interviews and media assessments
Validate research findings with project partners

Publications and Knowledge Products

Responsibilities include:

Authoring policy briefs and research reports
Producing media outputs and thought leadership content
Commissioning expert contributions
Developing training materials for online learning initiatives

Public Engagement and Partnerships

The researcher will:

Develop engagement strategies targeting Member States
Participate in high-level panels and expert forums
Represent the project in public discussions and media engagements
Build partnerships with global experts and institutions

Project and Team Support

Additional responsibilities include:

Supporting recruitment and supervision of fellows, consultants, and interns
Coordinating with communications and technical teams
Contributing to project management and quality assurance processes
Supporting administrative and operational requirements

Eligibility Requirements

UNU is seeking candidates with strong expertise in global governance, international affairs, and policy research.

Education

Applicants should possess:

A PhD in a relevant discipline (strongly preferred)

An advanced degree combined with a strong publication record and relevant professional experience

Relevant fields include:

International Relations
Political Science
Economics
Law
International Development
Public Policy

Professional Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

At least five years of policy research experience
Strong knowledge of the United Nations system
Understanding of intergovernmental negotiations and multilateral processes
Excellent analytical and writing skills
Experience producing policy-focused research outputs
Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement abilities

Experience in data visualization and event facilitation is considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

Professional fluency in English

Additional proficiency in another official UN language is considered an asset.

Salary and Benefits

The selected consultant will receive:

Remuneration Package

Annual compensation: USD 110,004
Monthly payment: USD 9,167
Additional health insurance contribution: USD 12,000 over the contract duration

UNU will also cover approved mission travel expenses when required, subject to organizational policies and travel clearances.

Visa Sponsorship Available

A significant advantage of this opportunity is that UNU may sponsor a G-4 visa for successful international candidates.

The organization strongly encourages applications from:

Candidates from developing countries
Women professionals
Individuals from diverse backgrounds
Persons living with disabilities

UNU maintains a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity recruitment.

Application Process

Interested candidates must:

Complete the official UNU P11 application form
Submit a motivation statement
Answer position-specific application questions

Applications are submitted through UNU’s online recruitment platform.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
Deadline Time: 12:00 PM New York Time
Expected Start Date: By 1 September 2026 (August start possible)

Why This Opportunity Matters

As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, demand continues to grow for innovative approaches to international cooperation and governance. Through the Global Governance Innovation Platform, the selected researcher will contribute directly to shaping ideas and solutions that inform decision-making at the highest levels of the international system.

For experienced researchers passionate about multilateralism, international policy, and institutional innovation, this UNU opportunity offers a unique chance to influence global conversations while working within one of the United Nations’ leading research institutions.

APPLY HERE

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding