Research Specialist

United Nations University

Guimaraes, Portugal

The Research Specialist position plays a vital role in planning and monitoring the current and future Core Research Programmes and in developing a strong policy-relevant research culture at UNU-EGOV. The selected candidate will contribute to the growth of the network of stakeholders and partnerships for the development of the UNU-EGOV project portfolio. The UNU-EGOV has been strengthening its connections with the Global South, namely with the African countries, and aims to extend collaborations to other countries in the region.

Responsibilities:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of UNU-EGOV, the Research Specialist ensures the execution of the following attributions:

Overseeing policy-relevant research in the field of Electronic Governance (EGOV):

  • Lead the development, monitoring, and assessment of the UNU-EGOV Core Research Programme;
  • Conduct high-quality research that serves as an example of academic excellence;
  • Publish key publication research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences;
  • Coordinate the work of research personnel;
  • Strive for policy impact of UNU-EGOV research in the UN system, at international, regional, and national levels;
  • Ensure the highest level of integrity and ethics in the EGOV research.

Reviewing and ensuring high-quality policy instruments:

  • Monitor the implementation of the research projects to identify relevant policies and policy-oriented recommendations;
  • Coordinate the translation of research findings into policies;
  • Provide guidance on the establishment of a strategy to increase the dissemination/visibility and adoption of the policy instruments by key stakeholders to ensure their maximum impact at UN, regional and national levels.

Developing research and capacity-building projects:

  • Foster research and capacity-building project proposals and build project consortia;
  • Provide critical reviews of research proposals and grant applications;
  • Seek to secure research funds and lead the research teams to conduct the respective research, consulting and training projects;
  • Represent UNU-EGOV in R&D consortia and networks.

Coordinating and taking high-level responsibilities in the organization of UNU-EGOV conferences, workshops, capacity-building programmes, and other relevant events:

  • Coordinate the scientific activities and planning of events, giving the team responsibilities, and monitoring their completion;
  • Assist in the communication plan and dissemination activities related to the events;
  • Carry out teaching, training, and supervision within the capacity-building programs;

Representing UNU-EGOV in relevant research and policy events and networks:

  • Communicate research and project accomplishments at scientific meetings and international fora, and through publications;
  • Engage academic and professional networks to raise the visibility of the UNU-EGOV.

Supporting the Director of UNU-EGOV in institutional development activities:

  • Assist the Director with its visions and research directions in the next years and with the organizational change process;
  • Produce research and management reports as relevant;
  • Help in the fundraising efforts of UNU-EGOV;
  • Assist in developing the project portfolio of UNU-EGOV;
  • Help to improve the organization and internal structure within EGOV;
  • Help in creating a network of contacts from different fields that will strengthen the research work in EGOV.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Director.

Qualifications:

Education and certification:

  • Completed doctoral degree (Phd) in Informatics, Information Systems, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Management, Economics, Communication Sciences, Sociology, Law or a related discipline.

Experience Required:

  • At least 10 years (after Phd) progressively responsible experience in conducting research, teaching, consulting and programme development in academic, think-tank or international organizations, in areas related to EGOV’s areas of work such as digital transformation, modernization and innovation of governments and public institutions.
  • Internationally recognized academic record in some of the research domains core to UNU-EGOV.
  • Evidence of project/programme development and management.
  • Knowledge of, and familiarity with, funding sources and proven ability to raise external funds.

Desirable:

  • Experience in academic and/or professional supervision.
  • Experience in drafting and presenting complex reports, communications, and presentations;
  • A proven ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, adjust to changes in schedule and priorities, and juggle concurrent tasks effectively and efficiently.
  • Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment.
  • Other desirable skills: Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, resilience, teamwork and coordination, excellent oral and written communication skills.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Fluency in Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.unu.edu/o/research-specialist-p4