United Nations University

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Executive & Development Coordinator

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland·Posted today

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Full job description

Job description

United 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 UNU-WIDER

UNU-WIDER is one of 13 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 is available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNU-WIDER, under the guidance of Heads of Unit, and in close coordination with other senior colleagues, the Executive & Development Coordinator contributes to the effective delivery of the Institute’s programme while supporting its external engagement and partnerships. The incumbent provides programme coordination, liaison, and analytical support to the Director’s Office and contributes to programme implementation, donor and partner engagement, and institutional outreach activities.

1. Provide strategic and operational support to the Director’s Office

Support the preparation of briefing notes, presentations, talking points, correspondence, and background materials for the Director’s and other senior management’s meetings, missions, and external engagements;
Monitor and follow up on action points arising from senior management meetings, key stakeholder consultations, and other strategic engagements;
Coordinate the collection, consolidation, and analysis of information from across the Institute to support decision-making, reporting, and institutional planning processes;
Support the organization and coordination of high-level meetings, visits, missions, and institutional events involving donors, government counterparts, UN entities, research partners, and other external stakeholders;
Coordinate schedules, documentation, and follow-up actions related to the Director's Office activities in collaboration with relevant colleagues;
Maintain records, correspondence, and reference materials relevant to the Director's Office;
Contribute to effective communication and coordination between the Director's Office and internal units.

2. Provide programme and coordination support to assigned institutional initiatives

Support coordination of assigned institutional initiatives and provide administrative and organizational support for project-related activities;
Assist in tracking project activities, timelines and key deliverables and maintain related documentation;
Support the compilation of progress information and maintain records relating to project implementation;
Escalate implementation issues requiring management attention and assist with coordinated follow-up actions;
Support the organization of workshops, seminars, trainings, and other institutional activities, including logistical coordination and documentation;
Perform projects’ requisitioner role related to external contracts and procurement;
Prepare and coordinate high-quality progress and donor reports.

3. Facilitate partnerships and stakeholder engagement

Coordinate and support engagements with external stakeholders, including donors, UN agencies, governments, and research institutions;
Maintain liaison with assigned partners and collaborators, ensuring timely follow-up on agreed actions, commitments and joint activities;
Support the Director and senior colleagues in the identification, assessment, and follow-up of opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaboration;
Prepare briefing notes, background materials, stakeholder profiles, and other documentation to support the Director’s and senior management’s engagements with external stakeholders;
Draft and coordinate correspondence and communications related to partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and institutional outreach activities;
Support the organization of partnership meetings, visits, and institutional outreach activities.

4. Contribute to resource mobilization and donor relations

Monitor and analyse funding opportunities relevant to UNU-WIDER’s strategic priorities and support internal coordination related to resource mobilization efforts;
Contribute to the development of concept notes, project proposals, and grant application submissions;
Support the integration of programme objectives, work plans, budgets, and expected results into funding proposals and donor submissions;
Maintain internal records on funding opportunities, proposals, and donor engagement.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

Timely and high-quality coordination, monitoring, and administrative support provided for assigned projects, institutional initiatives, stakeholder engagements and Director’s Office priorities.
Timely and high-quality preparation of briefing notes, presentations, correspondence, meeting documentation, management updates, and other institutional materials.
Effective coordination and follow-up of action items arising from management meetings, stakeholder consultations, missions, and institutional activities.
Effective coordination and follow-up on stakeholder engagements, partnerships, and collaborative activities, contributing to constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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 and requirements

1) Education and certification

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field; OR
Candidates with Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of relevant work experience will also be considered.

2) Required skills and experience

Progressively responsible experience in executive coordination, programme/project support, administrative coordination, partnerships, or related fields is an advantage.
Demonstrated ability to support the coordination, planning, monitoring, and implementation of projects is an asset.
Experience in international organizations, research institutions, or development contexts is a strong advantage.
Experience coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and maintaining effective working relationships is desirable.
Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills with ability to translate strategy into action.
Proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of ERP or project management systems is an asset.

3) 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 of EUR 59,466.77, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

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

16 September 2026

Submissions must be received by 23.59, UTC +3 on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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.

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