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
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York with an office in Geneva, Switzerland.
UNU-CPR’s core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centre’s work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination.
More information about its work is available here:
Digital and Frontier Technologies Pillar description
No other domain is likely to shape societies more profoundly over the next century or exert a greater influence on the trajectory of human progress than digital and frontier technologies. Advances in these fields are also transforming how the multilateral system operates and the issues it is called on to address through its convening power, norm-setting functions, and development of shared rules.
Senior leadership across the United Nations recognizes the urgency of responding more coherently to technological developments and has made significant efforts to align stakeholders around a digital governance agenda grounded in the principles of the UN Charter. This commitment has generated growing demand for rigorous research, forward-looking analysis, and innovative policy advice.
The United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is uniquely positioned to meet this need. In recent years, UNU-CPR has helped articulate a forward-looking vision for sustainable technological transformation supporting and working with a wide range of stakeholders from Member States, local governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The Centre has provided tailored policy analysis to senior UN leadership through strategic policy engagements, as well as through multi-year and multi-stakeholder programmes.
UNU-CPR is hiring a Head of Digital and Frontier Technologies, to lead its research, engagement, and policy advisory activities in these areas. The role offers scope to contribute substantively to policy debates already high on the global agenda, including on AI governance, data governance, digital inclusion, human rights in the digital age, and the future of digital economies, while also shaping early thinking on frontier challenges where governance frameworks are still emerging. The position will also focus on how digital and frontier technologies can be responsibly leveraged to advance human and planetary well-being, accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and inform governance priorities in the post-2030 period.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic team-builder capable of bridging research with the realities of intergovernmental negotiation. They will have a well-developed network of funders and collaborators, and deep expertise in the pillar’s core thematic areas.
Responsibilities
This role represents a unique opportunity to advance UNU-CPR’s mission by shaping research and policy thinking on digital and frontier technologies from within the United Nations system. It offers significant scope for innovation and partnership.
The Head of Digital and Frontier Technologies is an experienced researcher that brings analytical rigor, creativity, and strong communication skills to improve understanding of both the opportunities and risks associated with digital transformation. They will design and lead a policy-relevant research agenda that generates guidance for the multilateral system on range of topics that are often politically sensitive.
The position reports directly to the Director of UNU-CPR and is an in-person position, based in New York. Key responsibilities are:
1. Design and lead impactful work programme
Provide thought leadership in areas of immediate interest and consequence for multilateral negotiations and policy making in the areas of digital and frontier technologies.
Identify ways of scaffolding a new impactful programme of policy research on existing UNU-CPR contributions to the fields of global governance and effective multilateralism, sustainable development, and conflict prevention.
Identify and engage target policy audiences, drawing on UNU-CPR’s network and your networks.
Identify synergies with research programmes across the United Nations, the UN University system, and across UNU-CPR.
Invest in joint research initiatives by developing and supporting collaborative research with UN system partners and external stakeholders.
2. Fundraise to support the financial sustainability of this pillar
Secure sustainable funding for the research pillar.
Identify fundraising pathways, donors, and new partners that can support the work of the pillar with financial and in-kind contributions, including through innovative fellowship schemes.
Attract significant third-party funding, with a view to building-up a multi-year research programme with sustainable support from new or existing donors.
Attract and retain personnel that can contribute to the success of this pillar.
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Diversify UNU-CPR’s donor pool and build ties to relevant foundations and private sector partners.
3. Direct, produce and strategically disseminate targeted research, analysis, and commentary for UNU-CPR stakeholders
Deliver long-form, editorial, and collaborative publications with significant potential for uptake in the UN system and in Member States.
Produce and oversee a range of complementary knowledge products beyond traditional publications, including audio visual outputs, digital content, and interactive tools designed to broaden reach and accessibility of UNU-CPR research.
Enhance UNU-CPR’s visibility by serving as an expert contributor on high-level or high-visibility panels.
Organize high-level meetings and events drawing together key stakeholders with experts at UNU-CPR and/or within our networks.
Identify impact pathways with key audiences and action strategies that ensures UNU-CPR research supports decision-makers.
4. Support management at UNU-CPR
Support the Director and UNU-CPR administrative and management personnel as required to ensure sound and effective management and administration of the Pillar and its projects.
Contribute to quality assurance processes that ensure high-quality outputs at UNU-CPR.
Be available to support the UNU Rector and HQ colleagues on substantive and administrative requests that may be made.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key Performance Indicators
Regular delivery of high-quality knowledge products that provide new insights in areas relevant to this pillar that benefit UNU-CPR stakeholders.
Attract significant third-party funding, with a view to building-up a multi-year research programme with sustainable support from new or existing donors.
Improve UNU-CPR visibility and demonstrate the Centre’s utility to the UN system, notably in New York and Geneva, as well as other strategic locations.
Broaden the community of UNU-CPR partners, collaborators, and donors, and catalyse interaction amongst projects at UNU-CPR and throughout the UNU system.
Successfully participate in and convene high-level meetings that provide new insights to UNU-CPR’s policy stakeholder community.
Contribute to the implementation of the UNU-CPR Strategic Plan and the UNU Strategic Plan.
Successfully build up a productive pillar team.
Competencies
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
A PhD in a relevant academic discipline is strongly preferred but may be substituted by an advanced degree and a strong publication record and professional experience in a relevant field, including but not limited to computer science, artificial intelligence, digital governance, economics, law, political science, international relations, or public policy.
2) Required skills and experience
15 years of relevant policy research experience, or a combination of professional and research experience.
Exceptional drafting ability and experience drafting/editing academic reports and shorter communications, including experience translating research for policy communities.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and in managing donor relations and evidence of an active and diverse donor network.
Excellent analytical and presentation skills, including in audio-visual mediums.
Familiarity with the United Nations and experience with UN Member State dynamics and intergovernmental processes are an advantage. Candidates with strong private‑sector experience—particularly in technology development, digital innovation, or frontier technologies—are strongly encouraged to apply, even without prior UN experience.
Self-direction and the ability to establish priorities, multitask and report work activities to management in a timely and proactive manner, and work within tight timelines.
Comfort with a range of research methodologies and data analysis methods.
Solid interpersonal and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender parity.
3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
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Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
4) Location Requirement:
This is a full-time position based in New York requiring a minimum number of days in office.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual salary in the range of USD 150,000 to USD169,795, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.
Benefits include:
30 days annual leave, plus UN holidays and paid sick leave
A health insurance scheme
Access to a discretionary travel fund of up to USD5,000 p.a.
Access to professional development funds of USD1,200 every two years
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
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is a 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
Early Q3 2026, or sooner
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 (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
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 for more information.
Application Deadline
31 March 2026, 12pm NY time.
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
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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.
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