Policy Research Fellow Position at UNU-IIGH | Drive Global Health & Sustainable Development

Policy Research Fellow Position at UNU-IIGH: Advancing Global Health and Sustainable Development

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and academic institution within the UN system, dedicated to policy-relevant research, capacity-building, and knowledge dissemination. UNU contributes to addressing critical global challenges aligned with the mission and objectives of the United Nations and its Member States. With a presence in 12 countries, UNU engages in impartial research spanning sustainability, human security, and economic development, covering all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It collaborates with UN agencies and leading research institutions worldwide.

About UNU-IIGH

The UNU International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), based in Kuala Lumpur, is one of 14 UNU research and training institutes. Established in 2005, UNU-IIGH aims to advance evidence-based policies on key global health and sustainable development issues. By engaging with UN agencies, programs, and Member States, UNU-IIGH fosters knowledge-sharing and policy development to support the SDGs. Through a network of academic, policy, and civil society experts, the institute serves as a hub for critical analysis and dialogue on health and development.

The Policy Research Fellow Position

Building upon its strategic initiatives from 2019-2023, UNU-IIGH continues to integrate rights-based and gender-responsive approaches into health systems and institutions. With its new 2024-2028 strategic plan, the institute focuses on four core work packages. UNU-IIGH seeks Policy Research Fellows for three of these:

Gender Equality and Intersectionality: Strengthens health systems through human-centered approaches, improving healthcare quality and creating enabling environments for the health workforce.
Digital Health Security & Governance: Addresses colonial legacies and power disparities in digital health governance, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and diverse technology development.
Climate Justice and Determinants of Health: Highlights inequalities in health impacts of climate change and works toward equitable solutions through policy dialogues and capacity-building initiatives.

Under the guidance of the Director and respective Research Leads, selected candidates will provide technical expertise, manage research projects, produce policy analyses, facilitate policy discussions, and contribute to capacity-strengthening initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead research projects within the assigned work package, generating and disseminating policy-relevant research.
Provide technical and managerial oversight for policy research and engagement activities.
Build and maintain collaborations with external researchers and institutions.
Ensure high-quality outputs within designated timeframes and budgets.
Contribute to knowledge translation, policy dialogue facilitation, and capacity development.
Assist in resource mobilization and funding acquisition for relevant projects.
Represent UNU-IIGH at international research and policy events.
Supervise junior researchers, PhD students, and interns.
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Director or Research Leads.

Competencies Required

Core Values:

Inclusion: Promote dignity and respect for all, regardless of identity or background.
Integrity: Uphold UN ethical standards and take action against misconduct.
Humility: Foster self-awareness and openness to learning from others.
Humanity: Support the UN’s vision of peace, dignity, and equality.

Key Behaviours:

Collaboration: Build relationships across disciplines and institutions.
Analytical Thinking: Use diverse data sources for informed decision-making.
Results-Oriented Approach: Ensure accountability for impactful outcomes.
Continuous Learning: Pursue personal and team development.
Adaptability & Innovation: Exhibit flexibility and novel problem-solving skills.

Qualifications and Experience

For Master’s Degree Holders: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively senior professional experience in research, training, or policy programs.
For PhD Holders: Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in research and policy development.
Proven ability to conduct and manage development research in an international setting.
Strong record of peer-reviewed academic publications relevant to the work packages.
Extensive experience in international research and policy engagement.
Demonstrated teaching and research supervision skills.
Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written); proficiency in another UN language is advantageous.
Proven success in securing competitive research funding.
Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Compensation & Contract Details

Contract Type: Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) at P-3 level.
Annual Salary: Ranges from USD 59,151 to USD 62,024, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Includes 30 days of annual leave and health insurance.
Tax Responsibilities: UNU does not assume liability for personal tax obligations.
Contract Duration: Initial one-year contract, renewable based on performance, with a maximum duration of six (6) years.
Retirement Age: 65 years for PSA holders.

Application Process

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

Apply via the official application link.
Complete the UNU P11 Form (substituting similar UN forms will lead to disqualification).
Provide a motivation statement within the P11 form.
Answer a set of role-specific questions, including work package preferences.
Note: Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 18 March 2025 (MYT 11:59 PM)

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced researchers to contribute to policy-focused work on global health and sustainable development. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure consideration.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply