Fellowships

Full Job Description

UNU-CPR values research partnerships with a diverse range of partners. If you have secured funding and can see a strategic opportunity to collaborate with the Centre we welcome submissions of interest from experienced researchers, policy advisers, and practitioners in the following fields:

• Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace, including research on improving the effectiveness of UN peace operations, transitional justice, demobilization, disarmament and Reintegration, and women in peace and security.
• Equitable Development, including climate finance, international tax cooperation, international monetary policy, reform of the global debt and trade architecture, as well as new regional approaches to financial integration.
• Anticipatory Action, including the ethics, policy and governance of Artificial Intelligence, developing a foresight capacity, scenario-based futures analyses, and identifying new trends that may affect the work of the multilateral system.
• Multilateralism and Global Governance, including on the future of multilateralism and strengthening global governance in areas of global concern.

Along with potentially participating in and advising current UNU-CPR projects, Visiting Fellows may carry out a specific research project co-developed with a senior UNU-CPR researcher, leading to policy-relevant papers and reports, as well as strategic convenings. Visiting Fellows may have the opportunity to develop their research proposals with potential donors. Previous Visiting Fellows have written on a range of topics: from Security Council dynamics, to the impact of US-China relations on UN policymaking, and the role of UN Police in protecting civilians. They have also briefed UN Missions and Permanent Representatives, UN policy forums, and other stakeholders.

Please note: UNU-CPR does not fund the projects of Visiting Fellows and Fellows do not receive compensation. Projects cannot be approved without funds being secured.

Experience And Qualification Required

Qualified policy researchers or practitioners will have at least 10 years of experience working in areas relevant to the Centre’s research portfolio. They will have a proven track record of influencing high-level policy processes and/or evidence of bridging practice with policy development. Visiting Fellows must have a strong understanding of the work of the United Nations, a demonstrated commitment to improving the multilateral system and be able to deliver high-quality written outputs with minimal supervision.

Sample Contributions

The contributions of Visiting Fellows to UNU-CPR can vary depending on the specific arrangement, but may include the following:

• Research and analytic support: conducting research in support of UNU-CPR’s mandate and advising UNU personnel on matters of expertise.
• Drafting: writing articles, reports, or policy papers that contribute to UNU-CPR’s mandate.
• Knowledge dissemination and advocacy: disseminating knowledge of UNU-CPR and its work through conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, and other channels, raising awareness of critical issues and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
• Capacity-building: supporting the teaching and capacity-building mission of UNU-CPR, providing guidance and support to students, researchers and other stakeholders.

Any research findings will be disseminated in close coordination with the UNU-CPR communications team and follow UNU-CPR publishing guidelines.

Required Qualifications And Experience

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a field relevant to at least one the themes of the fellowship.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience as a researcher, policy adviser or practitioner.
• Full professional proficiency in English is required, knowledge of other language(s) desirable.
• Ability to work independently and report work activities in a timely and proactive manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the ability to work in multi-cultural and virtual environments with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender parity.

Location Requirements

Visiting Fellows may occasionally work on-site in UNU-CPR’s New York office, subject to office space availability, or collaborate remotely. Visa support is not available for Visiting Fellows.

Reporting

Reporting lines of the Visiting Fellow will depend upon the subject matter of the fellowship, but they will have regular contact with UNU-CPR leadership. Visiting Fellows will be expected to undertake largely self-directed research co-designed with a senior UNU-CPR researcher. They will be part of the broader UNU-CPR team and will coordinate with relevant staff around events, publications and thought leadership.

Expressions Of Interest

If you are interested in a Visiting Fellowship, please provide the following and send to comms-cpr@unu.edu

• A letter of introduction to include the potential benefits to UNU-CPR from the proposed fellowship.
• A detailed project proposal that includes a budget, with a clear explanation of the theory of change, intended audience, expected impact on the multilateral system and the name of a UNU-CPR researcher you would like to work with. Please note: applications should confirm that funding is secured and details of funding sources should be provided.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Full contact information of three referees.
• A long-form, single-authored writing sample.

Accepted Visiting Fellows will be expected to sign a UNU Academic Affiliation Agreement and to adhere to UNU’s standards of conduct and the UN’s values and behaviours framework.

Qualified policy researchers or practitioners will have at least 10 years of experience working in areas relevant to the Centre’s research portfolio. They will have a proven track record of influencing high-level policy processes and/or evidence of bridging practice with policy development. Visiting Fellows must have a strong understanding of the work of the United Nations, a demonstrated commitment to improving the multilateral system and be able to deliver high-quality written outputs with minimal supervision.

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a field relevant to at least one the themes of the fellowship.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience as a researcher, policy adviser or practitioner.
• Full professional proficiency in English is required, knowledge of other language(s) desirable.
• Ability to work independently and report work activities in a timely and proactive manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the ability to work in multi-cultural and virtual environments with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender parity.

Visiting Fellows may occasionally work on-site in UNU-CPR’s New York office, subject to office space availability, or collaborate remotely. Visa support is not available for Visiting Fellows.