United Nations University Junior Research Consultant Jobs 2026 in Portugal: Entry-Level UN Careers in Digital Governance and Public Sector Innovation

The United Nations University (UNU) has officially opened applications for two Junior Research Consultant positions at UNU-EGOV in Guimarães, Portugal. These exciting international opportunities are ideal for early-career professionals passionate about digital governance, public sector innovation, policy research, and digital transformation.

The positions offer a unique opportunity to work directly within the United Nations system while contributing to impactful global projects that support governments and public institutions in improving governance systems through technology and innovation.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic international and multicultural environment where they will gain practical experience in consultancy, policy advisory, research, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, communications, and public sector reform initiatives.

Applications close on May 28, 2026.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) serves as the academic and research arm of the United Nations system. It functions as a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization that conducts policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at addressing major global challenges.

For over five decades, UNU has contributed to solving critical global issues related to:

• Sustainable development
• Human security
• Economic development
• Governance
• Digital transformation
• Climate resilience
• Public policy
• Social inclusion

UNU collaborates closely with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, and development organizations worldwide to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About UNU-EGOV

The positions are based at the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), located in Guimarães, Portugal.

UNU-EGOV specializes in supporting governments and public institutions through:

• Digital transformation initiatives
• Electronic governance systems
• Public sector modernization
• ICT policy implementation
• Governance innovation
• Digital public infrastructure
• Capacity-building programmes

The institute combines research, consultancy, policy analysis, and advisory services to help governments improve governance systems through strategic applications of digital technologies.

About the Junior Research Consultant Positions

UNU-EGOV is recruiting two Junior Research Consultants to support its growing portfolio of projects related to:

• Digital governance
• Public sector reform
• Digital transformation
• Public innovation
• Advisory and consultancy services
• Applied policy research
• Stakeholder engagement
• International development projects

These positions are designed for motivated early-career professionals who want to build experience in international policy, governance, consultancy, and UN-related work.

The role offers practical exposure to real-world public sector challenges while enabling candidates to contribute directly to impactful advisory and research projects.

Why This Opportunity Is Important

Many early-career professionals struggle to find opportunities that combine:

• International exposure
• Meaningful policy work
• Research experience
• Advisory experience
• UN system engagement
• Professional growth

This opportunity addresses all these areas simultaneously.

The positions are particularly valuable because they emphasize learning-by-doing within an international environment while allowing candidates to contribute to high-impact projects involving governments and global institutions.

Main Responsibilities

Selected candidates will support a wide range of activities within UNU-EGOV.

Key duties include:

1. Supporting consultancy and advisory projects related to digital transformation and governance
2. Conducting desk research and literature reviews
3. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing information from multiple sources
4. Supporting stakeholder interviews and engagement processes
5. Assisting with project proposals and policy-oriented deliverables
6. Drafting reports, presentations, and analytical documents
7. Proofreading and quality assurance of written outputs
8. Supporting conferences, workshops, seminars, and expert meetings
9. Assisting with project monitoring and communications
10. Maintaining databases and information systems
11. Supporting capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities
12. Contributing to policy papers and case studies

The role is dynamic and suited for individuals who enjoy working across multiple tasks and projects.

What Type of Candidate Is UNU Looking For?

UNU is seeking candidates who are:

• Curious and eager to learn
• Reliable and proactive
• Comfortable with multitasking
• Interested in both research and consultancy
• Strong communicators
• Adaptable in multicultural environments
• Detail-oriented
• Motivated to grow professionally

The organization specifically highlights that this role is not repetitive or narrowly focused. Instead, it is designed for professionals who want to rapidly develop skills and take on increasing responsibilities over time.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
  • Public Policy
  • Public Administration
  • Political Science
  • Governance
  • Digital Governance
  • Development Studies
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Information Systems
  • ICT
  • Related disciplines

A PhD is considered an added advantage but is not mandatory.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Interest in digital transformation and public sector innovation
• Strong English communication skills
• Analytical and drafting abilities
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work under multiple deadlines
• Interest in consultancy and advisory work
• Commitment to producing high-quality outputs

Additional advantages include:

• 1–2 years of professional experience
• Experience with policy analysis
• Exposure to international organizations
• Research or event coordination experience
• Government or public sector exposure

Language Requirements

Required:

• Fluency in English

Advantageous but optional:

• Portuguese
• Spanish
• French
• Arabic

Salary and Benefits

The remuneration package ranges from:

EUR 13,200 to EUR 18,000 per year (before tax)

The exact salary depends on qualifications and experience.

Additional benefits include:

• Full-time international work experience
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Exposure to UN projects and global governance work
• Multicultural work environment
• Potential participation in international travel missions
• Networking opportunities within the UN system

Contract Duration

The positions are offered under a Consultant Contract (CTC).

Important details:

• Initial duration: 1 year
• Renewable contract possible
• Full-time schedule (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid/in-person arrangement
• At least 3 days per week in Guimarães, Portugal

UNU notes that consultant contracts do not include paid annual leave or sick leave.

Work Location

Selected candidates will work at:

Guimarães, Braga, Portugal

The work arrangement combines onsite collaboration with flexibility.

Travel Opportunities

The role may include mission travel for project-related activities.

When travel is required, UNU covers:

• Economy class flights
• Accommodation
• Meals and incidentals (within UN rates)

However, consultants are responsible for:

• Visa costs
• Insurance
• Medical clearance
• Security clearance requirements

Travel expenses will be reimbursed based on economy-class airfare, irrespective of the travel duration. Expenses related to accommodation, meals, and incidental costs must remain within the Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rates established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) at ICSC Official Website.

Application Process

Interested applicants must:

1. Apply through the official UNU application portal
2. Complete the UNU P11 Form
3. Submit a motivation statement
4. Provide references
5. Answer position-specific application questions

UNU advises candidates not to use forms from other UN agencies and to carefully follow application instructions.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is:

May 28, 2026

Applications must be submitted before 11:59 WEST. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Click HERE to apply.

Important Notes for Applicants

Visa Sponsorship

UNU does not sponsor work visas for this position. Candidates should carefully assess their eligibility to work in Portugal before applying.

Diversity and Inclusion

UNU strongly encourages applications from:

• Women
• Candidates from developing countries
• Persons with disabilities
• Diverse national and cultural backgrounds

Scam Warning

UNU does not charge application or recruitment fees. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment schemes.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity is particularly valuable for early-career professionals seeking:

• International policy experience
• UN system exposure
• Governance and digital policy expertise
• Applied consultancy experience
• Professional growth
• Global networking opportunities
• Practical advisory skills

It offers a rare combination of policy, research, consultancy, and project implementation experience within a globally respected institution.

Learn more about the United Nations University Junior Research Consultant Jobs HERE.

Conclusion

The UNU Junior Research Consultant positions in Portugal provide an outstanding opportunity for emerging professionals interested in governance, policy, digital transformation, and public sector innovation.

Working within the United Nations system allows candidates to contribute directly to projects that shape governance systems and public service delivery globally while building critical professional skills in an international environment.

For ambitious graduates and early-career professionals looking to launch or strengthen an international policy career, this opportunity offers both meaningful impact and long-term professional development.

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