Head, Policy Development, Partnerships and Government Relations in Richmond Hill

About UN 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.

About United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) UNU-INWEH is one of 13 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people.

Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Director, the Head, Policy Development, Partnerships and Government Relations, as a member of a senior leadership team of the institute, contributes to shaping the Institute’s strategic direction, strengthening its policy impact, expanding its network of partners, and improve its strategic engagements with the UN agencies and Member States, particularly in the Global South.

• Contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Institute, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Serve as a member of the senior management team of the Institute and provide advice to the Director concerning policy development, diplomatic engagements and partnership issues, particularly related to Global South priorities.
• Provide substantive support to the development of the Institute’s long‑term vision, strategic plans, and policy positioning.
• Support and coordinate the work of the Office of the Director, including preparation of high‑level engagements, briefing notes, and institutional reporting.
• Assist the Director or lead the preparation of institute‑wide events (e.g., International Advisory Committee meetings and high‑level policy dialogues).
• Assist the Director in reporting activities (e.g., contributions to annual reports) and providing inputs to UNU HQ and other stakeholders.
• Contribute and participate in the recruitment and selection of new personnel for the Institute.
• Contribute to the implementation of Institute‑wide strategies, including policy, research, capacity building, and administrative priorities in collaboration with the members of the senior management team.
• Represent the Director at strategic meetings, including global policy fora, as needed.
• Act as Officer‑In‑Charge and Certifying Officer, when required.

• Support governance, management, and coordination of the Institute focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Actively contribute to the successful governance of the Institute, including strategy implementation, budgeting, and human resource management, as a member of the senior management team.
• Support coordination across programmes and pillars to ensure alignment with policy priorities and institutional objectives.
• Provide guidance to programme leads on strategic programme development, policy alignment, and project‑based fundraising.
• Monitor programme performance, ensuring delivery of results on time and within budget.
• Support internal governance processes, including management meetings and institutional reporting.
• Promote diversity, inclusivity, gender equality, and gender mainstreaming across all areas of work.

• Lead fundraising and resource mobilization activities focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Develop and maintain collaborative links with the UN system, international organizations, development banks, and private sector institutions, with a special focus on Global South partnerships.
• Lead the formulation of project proposals and policy‑oriented programmes aligned with donor priorities.
• Support the Director in donor relations, including engagement, negotiations, and strategic positioning of the Institute.
• Support the development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies for policy‑relevant thematic areas.
• Establish and maintain relationships with governments, donors, and partners to support programme development and resource mobilization.
• Secure external funding for policy, research, and capacity development activities, particularly in Asia Pacific and Africa.
• Oversee donor reporting and ensure accountability frameworks are implemented effectively.

• Lead policy development and Global South engagement focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Lead the development of policy‑relevant research agendas aligned with Global South priorities and emerging development challenges.
• Identify and contribute to addressing emerging policy issues of relevance to the United Nations, Member States, and partners in the Global South.
• Coordinate the articulation of evidence‑based policies, strategies, and approaches to inform global, regional, and national decision‑making.
• Engage policy consumers, including governments, basin organizations, regional bodies, and civil society, to ensure uptake and impact of research outputs.
• Lead contributions to UN system‑wide, Regional Commissions, Resident Coordinator’s Offices and UN Country Team policy processes, reports, and platforms.

• Facilitate partnerships, representation, and institutional positioning focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, academia, and regional organizations, particularly in the Global South.
• Represent the Institute and the Director in inter‑agency coordination mechanisms, regional commissions and global policy platforms.
• Strengthen collaboration with policy networks, think tanks, and development partners.
• Promote the Institute’s role as a policy leader within the UN system and beyond.
• Advance partnerships supporting inclusive capacity development initiatives, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of women professionals.
• Facilitate alliances with universities and research institutes that enhance programme development, implementation, and resource mobilization.
• Establish and operationalize the strategic partnership with interested Member States.
• Contribute to the improved advocacy and policy engagements of the UNU Hubs connected to UNU‑INWEH.

Key performance indicators include timely and quality implementation of the UNU‑INWEH work programme, quality and level of engagement with policy stakeholders, quality and extent of research output, and increased sustainable donor support to UNU‑INWEH.

Competencies Values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, Humanity. Behaviours: Connect and collaborate, Analyse and plan, Deliver results with positive impact, Learn and develop, Adapt and innovate.

Education and certification: A PhD in Hydrology, Water Management, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences or Engineering, International Development, or Geography, or a scientific field related to the Institute’s activity areas; or an MSc. in combination with at least three additional years of qualifying experience in the above fields.

Skills and experience Required: At least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in water management, environmental policy, or international development, of which at least 7 years in a managerial role. Extensive experience with policy processes, especially in the water and environmental spaces. Successful record of Global South engagement and past record of project implementation in developing countries. Demonstrated experience in diplomatic and UN system engagements. Proven experience in writing science‑based policy documents. Demonstrated experience in financial and human resources management. Proven experience in fundraising from a variety of sources at the national and international level.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration: UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary, 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme.

Duration of contract: This is a full-time, fixed‑term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed‑term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026. Submissions must be received by 23:59 [EST] on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Special notice: 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.