Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Officer

UNU-INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area, Canada), is one of 14 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. UNU-INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.

Responsibilities:

Contingent upon the level of appointment, the incumbent is expected to:

Partnerships and Collaborations:

• Coordinate the work and activities of the UNU Hubs led by UNU-INWEH to facilitate collaboration among THEM, in collaboration with the Hub Executive Directors and other relevant actors.
• Serve as liaison with the host Government and the City of Richmond Hill to coordinate and enhance partnerships in Canada in collaboration with the UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.
• Provide input into ongoing workstream considering host government interests and priorities to cultivate partnerships with leading universities and institutes in Canada.
• Assist in developing contracts with partners, consultants, and contractors, and supporting the implementation of these contracts to ensure timely and effective completion of tasks and disbursement of funds, where applicable.
• Provide administrative support across relevant UNU-INWEH projects and programs, working with the Office of the Director to enhance collaboration and ensure timely, effective outcomes.
• Represents and supports the Director in meetings and events in Canada and globally, as needed in collaboration with the UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.

Research:

• Contribute to UNU-INWEH’s policy-relevant research initiatives and publications on water, environment, and health
• Engage with individual researchers, interdisciplinary teams, and UNU Hubs to identify synergies and foster research collaboration across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of innovative solutions, providing strategic guidance to advance UNU-INWEH’s research and supporting researchers in effectively disseminating their work at the national level and through partner institutions.
• Provide technical expertise to support UNU-INWEH’s strategic programs and projects, in collaboration with UNU-INWEH researchers and experts.

Capacity and Education Development:

• Develop and deliver capacity and education development initiatives, including seminars and training programs, to enhance the visibility and impact of UNU-INWEH, in collaboration with UNU-INWEH UN and Government Relations Coordinator.
• Contribute to capacity building initiatives through curriculum development and teaching in UNU-INWEH programs; and attracting and supervising interns and externs, students (including post-graduate students), and young researchers, as required.
• Coordinate student associations led by UNU Hubs as well as advising students and early-career researchers taking part in various UNU-INWEH initiatives.

Knowledge sharing and fundraising:

• Contribute to fundraising activities of the institute, including the development of cross-thematic and interdisciplinary proposals in collaboration with other program leaders at UNU-INWEH as well as in partnership with UNU Hubs and other institutions and professionals.
• Coordinate UNU-INWEH efforts towards reporting to the donors, annual reports, institute’s performance review and impact assessment in coordination with the Office of the Director.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations, and related materials, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and the UNU-INWEH’s Director.

Qualifications:

Education and certification:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in a relevant academic field related to water, climate change, environment, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity or health is required for this position.

Required skills and experience:

• At least three (3) years of post-master’s degree work experience in the fields of water, environment and/or health
• At least one (1) year of work/research experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Environmental governance and policy
• Integrated water resources management
• Rural development
• Sustainability transitions and innovations
• WASH and public health
• Disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response
• Ability to coordinate and liaise with partners and to represent the institute in a diplomatic and professional manner.
• Result-oriented, self-motivated, and “hands-on” with the ability to prioritize work and do multi-tasking.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Excellent writing, research, presentation, and networking skills.
• Familiarity with policy-oriented research and prior experience in project management (administration and financial aspects) are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in team-based research, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches.
• Ability to independently manage projects and interact with a large group of stakeholders.
• Prior experience of conducting research or fieldwork in the Global South.
• Experience working in the Canadian space and familiarity with the local context will be an asset.
• Prior UN work experience or experience of interacting with intergovernmental/governmental/non-government agencies and donors is highly desirable.
• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the subject areas relevant to the activities of UNU-INWEH is highly desirable.
• Prior record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact and interdisciplinary journals is required.
• Prior record of fundraising and securing grants for projects is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of other UN official working language is an asset.

Source: https://careers.unu.edu/o/innovation-and-strategic-partnerships-officer-psa