The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), the UN think tank on global health, is recruiting three Postdoctoral Fellows to contribute to the Institute’s programme of work. Unlike postdoctoral fellowships in conventional universities, the UNU-IIGH postdoctoral fellowship programme is geared towards applied research and allows Fellows to gain exposure to the world of international policy-making in global health and the UN system in particular.
Specifically, we are looking to recruit one post-doc for each of the following themes:
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Synthesising evidence and producing working papers and policy briefs related to global health governance and international health policy. A research background in global public health, international relations, global health governance, health financing and political economy would be relevant.
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Synthesising policy-relevant evidence and producing working papers and policy briefs on interventions and promising practices for integrating gender into health programmes and policies. A research background and/or experience of gender issues as they relate to health programmes, health systems and policies would be relevant.
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Building capacity of researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations in the Global South through training and production of manuals and other knowledge products. Demonstrated experience with implementation research in health, gender health, systems thinking, and foresight methods would be relevant.
About the Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellows are treated as professional employees of the organisation and expected to take responsibility for significant pieces of work in line with the values, mission and objectives of the Institute, under the supervision of senior staff.
The responsibilities of the post-holder will include:
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Conducting research in support of the Institute’s programme of work
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Drafting and helping to finalise research outputs of various kinds
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Helping to convene multi-stakeholder meetings and discussions
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Representing the Institute in meetings and forums
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Contributing to the information, education and communication activities of the Institute
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Contributing to the routine management and administrative tasks of the Institute
At any one time, the Institute hosts between four and seven Fellows, thus providing an opportunity for considerable peer learning and support.
Postdoctoral fellows are expected to be resident in Kuala Lumpur during their fellowship where they will enjoy an excellent multicultural environment and opportunities to interact with scholars and policy makers from different countries and diverse educational backgrounds.
Key performance indicators
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Timely production of high-quality research and research outputs
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Demonstrable improvements in project management competencies
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Successful organization of meetings with external stakeholders
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Development of improved working relationships with research partners, member state governments, donors, and civil society organizations
Qualifications
Education and certification
Required
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PhD in public health or relevant field (completed within the last five years), or an MD with a relevant Masters’ degree. Applicants who have submitted their PhD but have not yet been awarded their degree may also be eligible to apply.
Experience
Required
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At least two years of professional experience in public health research, policy, or programming
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Familiarity with systematic approaches to searching and evaluating scientific literature
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Demonstrated competencies in both quantitative and qualitative research design, data analysis and interpretation
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Experience with policy-relevant research, including formulating of policy-relevant research questions and/or undertaking policy analysis
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Experience with writing peer-reviewed articles and policy briefs
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Excellent time management skills
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Ability to work independently
Desired
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Familiarity with gender-responsive research and/or programming
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Experience in working on interdisciplinary research projects
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Knowledge of global health governance structures and processes
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Knowledge of implementation research and systems thinking approaches
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Experience of work in a low- and middle-income country setting
Language Requirements
- Oral and written fluency in English is required
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract and no allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly salary of US$3,028.92, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
For IPSA, UNU will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements.
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 PSA holders.
Duration of contract
This is a full-time employment. The duration of the initial contract is 1 year, which can be extended for an additional 12-month period.
Expected start date: 1 July 2022
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
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Apply via the apply link;
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fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
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provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
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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: 22 May 2022
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 do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
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 organization. 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.
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.
Download the flyer here.
REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSION: https://go.unu.edu/ag7oB
APPLY HERE: Post Doctoral Fellow, UN University, UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur
