Academic Fellow,
Guimarães, Portugal
United Nations University (UNU)
Closing date: Sunday, 26 February 2017
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United Nations University objectives
The nited Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training, and the dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building, particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and innovative ideas and dialogue.
Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV)
The central purpose of the newly established United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), located in Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, is to support the United Nations system and the Member States of the United Nations in transforming the mechanisms of governance and building effective governance capabilities through strategic applications of information and communication technologies to contribute to inclusive social development, inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability, and peace and security.
In fulfillment of its purpose UNU-EGOV:
- carries out policy-relevant research
- translates research findings into relevant policy instruments
- builds capacity in localising and applying such instruments within and among governments, the UN system, and academic and other relevant organisations
- builds and maintains research and policy networks to share the lessons learnt, foster mutual learning, and bridge research and policy worlds
- monitors, evaluates, and disseminates the latest developments in the area
For more information please visit http://egov.unu.edu.
Responsibilities
UNU-EGOV is recruiting an Academic Fellow to contribute to a research project on “Economics Effects of Electronic Governance.” The project explores the effects of advances in electronic governance on economic activity, namely on growth, innovation, country competitiveness, tax evasion, and the size of the shadow economy. The successful candidate will join international and multi-disciplinary project teams comprising postdoctoral, academic, and government fellows supervised by the UNU-EGOV and University of Minho academic staff.
The responsibilities will include:
- gathering information from scholarly literature about the topic at hand, and producing a detailed literature review
- conducting research to analyse the effects of E-governance on economic outcomes
- collecting and updating the E-governance-related database and country factsheets to support the project
- translating research results into relevant policy instruments
- building stakeholders’ capacity in applying such instruments
- developing and reviewing project deliverables
- supporting academic and government fellows
The successful candidate will also:
- contribute to developing funding proposals for follow-up projects
- contribute to further development of UNU-EGOV
Required qualifications and experience
Required qualifications and experience include:
- completed master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Management or a related discipline
- strong quantitative background and familiarity with econometric software would be an advantage
- record of published or forthcoming articles in scientific journals
- ability to work independently, according to the instructions received
- fluency in spoken and written English
The following elements will also be taken into consideration in the selection:
- frequency of a PhD programme in Economics or a related discipline
- national or international-level research, policy, and project experience
- knowledge of the public sector and public policy issues
- ability to work in a team and result-orientation
- excellent organisational and communication skills
- ability to work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment
- dedication to the core UN values – integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity
Remuneration
Remuneration is EUR 980 per month (tax free). In addition, economy class travel between the home location and Guimarães, accommodation in Guimarães (except utility costs), and medical and life insurance resulting from sickness or accident during the stay at UNU-EGOV will be provided free of charge.
Duration of contract
This is a full-time position on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU.
The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA based in Guimarães, Portugal, and will not hold international civil servant status, nor will he/she be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Starting date
1 May 2017