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
In 2024, UNU reopened an office in Paris, France, increase its academic and policy footprint in France, particularly through engagement with UNESCO, the OECD, French universities, and other UN entities and public and private partners in Paris and the wider region.
The UNU Paris Office is looking for a dynamic, self-driven individual to lend expertise and hands-on support to strengthen the UNU Paris Office. This includes strategic liaison and outreach, resource mobilization, partnership engagement, and foresight analysis to inform thematic priorities.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of the UNU Paris Office, the Consultant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following areas:
Funding Proposals and Resource Mobilization
Identify potential funding opportunities (bi/multilateral, foundations, private sector)
Draft funding proposals and concept notes, aligned with UNU’s mandate and Office priorities.
Provide advice on donor engagement strategies and prepare meetings.
Communications and Outreach
Develop a concise communications and branding package
Produce talking points, briefing notes, and promotional materials
Develop an outreach and visibility strategy for the Office
Partnerships and Collaborative Projects
Assist with meeting preparations with key partners, e.g. UNESCO, OECD, French and European universities, and relevant UN entities to identify areas of collaboration.
Contribute to joint project concept notes with key partners.
Provide recommendations for a longer-term partnership engagement strategy.
Strategic Planning, Foresight and Thematic Prioritization
Conduct horizon scanning and foresight analysis notably in France, with the possibility to also scan specific topics and, involving relevant partners in Berlin and Brussels, to identify emerging topics and cooperation opportunities relevant to UNU Paris.
Map thematic clusters, networks, and actors in priority areas.
Identify key trends, opportunities, and potential strategic niches for UNU Paris.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Resource Mobilization
Pipeline list of potential funding sources.
Agreed number of finalized funding proposals or concept notes.
Communications
Communications package (brochure, presentation slides, website content draft).
Draft communications and visibility strategy.
Partnership Development
Record of consultations with partners and meeting summaries.
Project concept notes with partners.
Strategic planning and Foresight
Written inputs resulting from future-oriented and foresight analysis of relevant thematic areas and developments (e.g., topical or political), potential cooperation opportunities, and recommended priority areas for UNU Paris.
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
1) Education and certification
Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in international relations, political or social sciences, foresight studies, public policy, communications, or related field.
2) Required skills and experience
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy development, planning, and strategic foresight, and programme design in international organizations, government agencies, or academia.
Proven experience in communications and outreach, including preparation of high-quality materials for diverse audiences.
Familiarity with Paris-, Berlin-, and Brussels-based international institutions and networks (UNESCO, OECD, UN entities, EU institutions, universities).
Strong analytical, strategic foresight, and writing skills.
Ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
Cross-cultural communication skills and ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of UN(U) system operations and donor funding processes is an asset.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in French desirable.
3) Language Requirements
Professional level Fluency in English is required
Fluency in French is desired
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC). Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.
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 CTC holders.