Vacancies
Research Fellow

About UN University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 SDGs, 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. For more information please visit www.unu.edu.

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

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. 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. For more information on UNU-WIDER and its work programme, please visit www.wider.unu.edu.

UNU-WIDER launched a new programme Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED), in collaboration with the National Treasury (NT) of the Republic of South Africa and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), that engages key local and regional institutions and aims to help achieve economic transformation and inclusive growth in the southern African region. 

NT is central to macroeconomic policy in South Africa and holds a key role in maintaining macroeconomic stability. A key area of work in this programme is to further strengthen the capacity of NT, alongside other actors in the region, and to analyse macroeconomic developments and policy options in southern Africa.

Work on macroeconomic simulation models will be undertaken alongside separate studies related to macroeconomic stability with two central policy objectives in mind: raising South Africa’s sustainable growth rate and reducing inequality in South Africa.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of UNU-WIDER, the Research Fellow will:

• Contribute effectively to SA-TIED’s macroeconomic research and capacity-building programme in South Africa, and the publication of research outputs.
• Participate in local and international research, policy, and outreach events related to SA-TIED.
• Carry out teaching, training and supervision within the capacity-building programme of SA-TIED, including guidance of junior researchers and PhD students.
• Prepare research studies and management reports.
• Prepare presentations for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD or Master’s degree in Economics or similar field.
• A minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of relevant professional work experience, analysing macroeconomic questions, such as the effectiveness and impact of monetary policy, the impact of capital flow reversal, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct macroeconomic analysis and competence with relevant techniques, such as general equilibrium modelling in software packages such as Matlab, Eviews and GAMS and VAR and GARCH/ARCH analysis.
• A proven track record of academic and policy publications.
• Good knowledge of the international research and policy agenda in areas related to macroeconomic analysis and macroeconomic modelling.
• Excellent communications and drafting skills, with fluency in both oral and written English.
• Excellent team player with strong, well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration of ZAR61,350 subject to submission of reports to the Director on tasks accomplished at the end of each quarter during the contract period.

The successful candidate will be employed in Pretoria, South Africa and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a ‘staff member’ as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. No relocation allowance applies.

UNU has its own medical insurance for employees contracted under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA).

Duration of contract

This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-WIDER, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications online using this form and must upload the following:

• a cover letter setting out how their qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) downloadable from UNU website; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations
• a list of publications
• an up-to-date CV
• a copy of highest educational degree obtained.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations: Chapter 3, article 8).