Postdoctoral Fellow – Digital Technology and Sustainability (PSA Contract - BASED IN MACAU)
United Nations UniversityUnited Nations 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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About the Institute
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is dedicated to research, training, and education on digital technologies for sustainable development. It promotes evidence-based actions and policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNU Macau is located in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the only UN entity in the city. Situated within the Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, UNU Macau benefits from its proximity not only to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR but also to many other Asian countries, offering unique opportunities for researchers and experts to maximize research impact. For more information, visit macau.unu.edu.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance and overall supervision of the Senior Researcher, the successful candidate will be conducting the following tasks:
Research
Contribute to existing research projects including supporting the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
Work collaboratively with the Senior Researcher to interpret and writing up data in journal articles, reports, and policy documents, and in presentations.
Contribute to research projects in the researcher’s own field of expertise related to digital technology and the SDGs, and work with the research team to write these as journal articles, policy reports /briefs, and/or to present at academic conferences.
Collaborate with Senior Researcher on diverse topics including, but not limited to, online safety, technology facilitated violence, human-centered tech, the governance and ethics of emerging technologies, gendered issues in technology, user interactions with generative AI, and the influence of culture in technology.
2. Capacity Building
Contribute to the development and delivery of capacity building workshops, courses, and lectures in the researcher’s area of expertise as aligned to digital technology and the SDGs.
Assist in the development and delivery curriculum on a broad range of topics related to digital technology and the SDGs under the guidance of the Senior Researcher.
3. Project Management and Funding
Support the coordination and management of existing research projects, e.g monitoring project deliverables, managing timelines, as well as building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
Collaborate with the research team to identify and pursue funding opportunities and complete grant funding applications.
4. Knowledge Mobilization
Contribute to knowledge mobilization efforts by translating research into practical applications and policy recommendations wherever possible utilizing internal and external mechanisms for mobilization efforts.
Engage with UN agencies, industry and community partners either formally (e.g., as a focal point) or informally to promote the uptake and dissemination of evidence and to represent the institute.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
Evidence of self-leadership and collaboration with Institute team members on research projects and outputs.
Contribution to publications of high-quality research outputs including journal articles, reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
Participation in applications of research funds for new, relevant programs of work.
Assistance with project management and monitoring.
Contributions to capacity building activities.
Participation in the organization of research events (including webinars, workshops, panels, conferences).
Relationships with partners and stakeholders built and well maintained.
Representation of UNU Macau in public research events and outreach activities.
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
Education and certifications:
Candidates should have completed or submitted for examination their PhD in any area of social sciences such as Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, OR another relevant field such as Applied Statistics, Cultural and Development Studies, and Human Geography.
Experience and other requirements:
Required:
Experience working on research projects concerning digital technology and human development.
Experience in contribution to either academic publications, presentations at international conferences, or writing of policy reports.
Experience in a range of methodologies and data analytic techniques including knowledge and understanding of qualitative analysis tools such as Nvivo or MAXQDA and quantitative tools such as SPSS, STATA, R, Mplus.
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in an international environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Passion for the mission of the United Nations and enthusiasm to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
A strong proactive and self-driven focus with a willingness to learn, be open-minded, and pursue research and learning goals.
Selected candidate is required to reside full-time in Macau. This is not a remote position.
Desirable:
A record of leading research and publications.
Experience in teaching or training of methods and data analysis in higher education or professional settings.
Knowledge and understanding of AI tools and methods of research.
Experience in acquiring and managing grant funding.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including public, private, non-profit and intergovernmental organizations.
Experience in working a multi-disciplinary and intercultural team.
Experience working in or with the United Nations system.
Language requirements:
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary from USD$36,000-$39,500 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU Macau will cover the cost of travel of the international appointee (non-Macanese residents) to Macau SAR at initial appointment, as well as at their return to home country/point of hire upon final completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function of the appointee will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working-from-remote arrangements.
International appointee is also eligible to apply for tax-exempted monthly rental subsidy up to MOP$10,000 shall they relocate to Macau full-time, and undertake housing arrangements in Macau, excluding working-from-remote 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 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.
Starting 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
20 July, 2025
Submissions must be received by 11:59pm, Macau time zone GMT +8; late entries will not be accepted.
** Application page no longer operational beyond application deadline.
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 are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. 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. 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. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. 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. 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.
If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.