Job description
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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About The 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-INWEHโs 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 and supervision of the Director of UNU-INWEH, and in close collaboration with the Office of the Director team, the Advocacy and Policy Development Associate will provide operational and substantive support to institutional initiatives, policy processes, advocacy efforts, and partnership activities. The incumbent will contribute to knowledge creation and the preparation of policy documents that strengthen the Instituteโs engagement in global policy outreach and advocacy within UN processes and beyond.
The Advocacy and Policy Development Associate will play a key role in coordinating policy-related engagement and associated activities, with particular focus on supporting preparations for the 2026 and 2028 UN Water Conferences and related Member State engagements and will assist in drafting, reviewing, and organizing policy and advocacy products; supporting event planning and logistics; and facilitating effective communication with partners and stakeholders.
Working closely with the UN and Government Relations Coordinator, the incumbent will contribute to strengthening institutional partnerships, aligning workshop outcomes with partner and donor priorities, and enhancing the overall efficiency and impact of the Office of the Director.
Contingent upon the level of appointment, as a member of the Office of the Director team of UNU-INWEH, the incumbent is expected to:
1. Support policy development and advocacy efforts
Support coordination with select partners, particularly on UN policy processes relevant to water, environment and health, ensuring meaningful and substantive engagement.
Prepare and draft documentation, concept notes, policy documents, and correspondence, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and alignment with institutional standards.
Provide technical inputs and background materials for policy publications and reports related to water, environment, health, and other relevant areas.
Coordinate and track incoming and outgoing correspondence with key partners, collaborators, member states, and UN agencies.
2. Coordinate communication, supports knowledge building, knowledge sharing, advocacy efforts, and public engagement
Create content for webpages and policy documents to raise public awareness and prepare concept notes, briefs, talking points, speeches and publications in support of the policy processes, conferences, high-level meetings, and international events.
Support the engagement of the Institute in the UN Water Conference process, particularly in the context of the Instituteโs engagement with UN-Water.
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of supporting documents and briefing notes relevant to UNU-INWEH Initiatives and other UN Processes as necessary.
Prepare communication packages on UNU-INWEH policy engagements for the attention of donors and partners.
Develop advocacy and communication material and social media posts to be disseminated widely, bringing visibility to UNU-INWEHโs work.
Assist in facilitation of public and policy engagement activities.
3. Facilitate coordination within networks and partnerships to advance research and policy dialogue
Provide substantive support in managing priorities and workflow of the Policy and Partnership Team.
Work in close liaison with other staff and external networks to strengthen collaboration within research and policy communities, facilitating scholarly engagement and dialogue through policy-related events and partnerships.
Support the organization of policy-related events and workshops, positioning them as platforms for research dissemination, academic exchange, and policy dialogue.
Support the Director and Office of the Director in engagements with host country representatives, Ottawa-based partners, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, including preparing background and briefing materials that inform evidence-based discussions and promote knowledge exchange.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
Key Performance Indicators
Timely, pro-active, and smooth operation of the Directorโs office and overall UNU-INWEHโs office.
High-quality contribution and administration of assigned tasks and services against specific timelines.
Active engagement with UNU-INWEHโs researchers, consultants, and partners as well as with external collaborators and stakeholders, where required.
Timely coordination of official events.
Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-INWEH as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.
Information is correctly disseminated as needed with timely responses to queries and follow-ups.
Accuracy and attention to details.
Up to date databases and online records.
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ 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 โ 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 โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ 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 โ 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 โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Masterโs Degree in Business or Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, and relevant fields related to the position responsibilities or/and the instituteโs areas of work.
2) Required skills and experience
A minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional experience following completion of the Masterโs degree, in coordination, policy support, and/or outreach, preferably within an international organization.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
Experience in writing policy briefs, concept notes, thought pieces and publications.
Experience in drafting speeches, complex reports, communications, supporting policy documents and presentations is required.
Understanding of policy process and governance related issues.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge in dynamic environments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
Ability to draft and finalize legal documents and contracts to establish formal partnerships.
Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities.
Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints.
Ability to establish, build and sustain effective relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of clientโs perspective; ability to anticipate client needs and addresses them promptly.
UN working experience is desirable.
Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required
Fluency in French is desired
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a tax-exempt salary commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 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 on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Starting date
2 January 2026
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);
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
16 November 2025
Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EDT Time-Zone on the deadline (Toronto Time Zone); late entries will not be accepted.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.
Special Notice
PSA holders are neither โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor โofficialsโ for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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 organisation. 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 also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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