UNU-WIDER is hiring a Research Associate based in Helsinki, Finland. As Research Associate you would contribute to the research and management of our Domestic Revenue Mobilization Programme (DRM II UNU WIDER : Domestic Revenue Mobilization programme), which builds bridges between research and policy.

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities 

1. Support the implementation of the SOUTHMOD project

• Contribute to the knowledge extraction, analysis, documentation, codification of results/lessons learned in the SOUTHMOD project ensuring that knowledge sharing, and content management is in line with guidelines.
• Contribute to research on SOUTHMOD including compiling on coding of secondary data and analysis indicators to inform policies and approaches to improve targeting of resources and interventions.
• Perform research (qualitative and quantitative) on SOUTHMOD project, including model development.
• Supervise contracted work in the area of tax-benefit microsimulation in developing countries.

2. Conduct own research and supervise contracted work on tax economics using large administrative data sets.

• Identify together with developing country partners policy-relevant research questions.
• Conduct own research and supervise contracted work on tax economics using large administrative datasets.
• Perform project management duties in the scope of research and capacity-building partnerships mainly with developing country partners.
• Organize administrative tax data jointly with developing country partners

3. Contribute to and co-ordinate capacity-building efforts in developing countries, including teaching and advising.

• Reporting to stakeholders, including donors.
• Presentation of research findings through non-technical writing such as policy briefs and blogs.

4. Dissemination activities

• Support communications and dissemination activities for UNU-WIDER’s target audiences.
• Contribute towards enhanced policy uptake of research, and enhanced use of microsimulation and other relevant research as evidence for policymakers.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the director.

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the SOUTHMOD project
• Timely and quality delivery of planned research publications
• Timely and quality delivery of other outputs (dissemination, capacity development, etc.)
• Quality and level of engagement with other researchers, teams, consultants, and partners.

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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD (completed or about to be completed in the coming year) in economics, statistics, econometrics, or a related discipline with strong quantitative skills.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• Proven track record in econometric analysis is required. Experience in project management is an asset.
• Knowledge of tax, social protection and development issues and experience in capacity-building is an asset.
• Experience in tax-benefit microsimulation in a developed or developing country context is an important asset. Candidates with a strong interest in engaging and learning fast in this area will also be considered.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Readiness to travel internationally, including extended stays in developing countries when collaborating with local partners.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English.
• Knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish would be an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under an international PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary of EUR 65,794.00, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements.

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.

Expected start date: As soon as possible

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 UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline:  15 November 2023

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

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

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 organization. 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.

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.

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More about the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Programme.

 For the full job description and to apply visit UNU Career.