United Nations University Consultant Researcher Position 2026 in New York, USA: Earn $110,004 Per Year Plus Health Insurance Support While Shaping the Future of Global Governance

The United Nations University (UNU) has announced an outstanding international consultancy opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals who are passionate about global governance, multilateral cooperation, international development, and United Nations policy processes.

The position, titled Consultant: Researcher, Multilateralism and Global Governance, is hosted by the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research in New York, United States. This prestigious 16-month consultancy contract offers an annual remuneration of USD 110,004, monthly payments of USD 9,167, additional health insurance support, and the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing global challenges.

This role is ideal for experienced researchers and policy professionals seeking to work at the intersection of global governance, multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and international policymaking.

Application Deadline: 25 June 2026

 

About the United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University is the academic and research arm of the United Nations system. For more than five decades, UNU has produced policy-relevant research and generated innovative solutions to complex global issues affecting countries around the world.

As a global think tank and postgraduate teaching institution, UNU focuses on:

• Sustainable development
• Human security
• Economic development
• Global governance
• International cooperation
• Capacity development
• Knowledge dissemination

Through its network of research institutes located across multiple countries, UNU contributes to advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while supporting evidence-based policymaking at international, regional, and national levels.

 

About UNU Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)

The United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) serves as one of the key research institutes within the UNU system.

Headquartered in New York with an office in Geneva, UNU-CPR produces policy-focused research and strategic thought leadership aimed at helping the United Nations and its Member States address urgent global challenges.

The Centre focuses on:

• Strengthening multilateral cooperation
• Promoting innovative policy solutions
• Supporting UN reform initiatives
• Building resilience within the international system
• Facilitating strategic policy dialogue

 

About the Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI)

The selected researcher will join the Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI), a major multi-year initiative designed to help UN Member States create innovative multilateral mechanisms capable of addressing emerging global challenges.

The project examines nearly 80 years of multilateral cooperation and institutional development to identify successful governance innovations that can inform future global institutions.

The platform provides:

• Interactive data visualizations
• Historical governance analysis
• Institutional innovation case studies
• Policy guidance for Member States
• Research tools supporting institution-building efforts

GGI seeks to demonstrate that the international community has repeatedly developed creative governance solutions and that these lessons can help address today’s increasingly complex global problems.

 

Position Overview

The successful candidate will work from UNU-CPR’s New York office on a hybrid schedule and contribute significantly to the Global Governance Innovation Platform.

The researcher will:

• Conduct cutting-edge policy research
• Analyze governance innovations worldwide
• Organize strategic convenings
• Lead policy briefings
• Engage with policymakers
• Produce influential publications
• Develop governance case studies
• Support international partnerships

This is a highly visible position involving interaction with senior policymakers, diplomats, experts, and UN stakeholders.

 

Main Responsibilities

1. Research and Data Collection

The researcher will:

• Develop new research topics relevant to GGI priorities
• Identify key policy processes and negotiations
• Analyze governance innovations across sectors and regions
• Produce original governance case studies
• Validate research findings with project partners
• Conduct interviews for media assessments
• Support donor-driven project implementation

2. Publications and Knowledge Products

The consultant will be responsible for producing high-quality research outputs, including:

• Long-form thematic research reports
• Policy briefs
• Strategic analyses
• Media articles
• Knowledge products
• Training materials for online learning programs

The researcher will also commission expert policy papers aligned with donor priorities.

3. Public Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

A major component of the role involves engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing engagement strategies
• Strengthening Member State participation
• Representing GGI at international forums
• Participating in expert panels
• Contributing to media discussions
• Expanding partnerships with experts and regional organizations

4. Team Leadership and Coordination

The researcher will support:

• Recruitment of fellows
• Recruitment of consultants
• Recruitment of interns
• Supervision and mentoring activities
• Communication and outreach initiatives

5. Management and Administrative Support

Additional responsibilities include:

• Supporting project management activities
• Assisting UNU-CPR leadership
• Ensuring quality assurance processes
• Supporting administrative functions
• Contributing to project effectiveness

 

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (strongly preferred)

Relevant disciplines include:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Economics
• Law
• International Development
• Public Policy
• Related fields

Candidates without a PhD may still be considered if they possess:

• An advanced degree
• Strong publication records
• Significant professional experience

 

Professional Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Strong policy research expertise
• Experience working on global governance issues
• Knowledge of UN institutions and operations
• Understanding of intergovernmental processes
• Experience translating research into policy recommendations

Additional advantages include:

• Data visualization experience
• Event convening experience
• Stakeholder engagement expertise
• Media communication experience

 

Language Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• Professional fluency in English

An additional UN official language will be considered an asset.

 

Desired Competencies

UNU seeks candidates who demonstrate:

Core Values

• Inclusion
• Integrity
• Humility
• Humanity

Professional Behaviours

• Collaboration
• Strategic thinking
• Analytical excellence
• Results orientation
• Continuous learning
• Innovation and adaptability

 

Salary and Benefits

The consultancy package includes:

Financial Benefits

• Annual remuneration: USD 110,004
• Monthly salary: USD 9,167
• Additional health insurance contribution: USD 12,000 over the contract period

Professional Benefits

• Work with the United Nations system
• Engage directly with policymakers and diplomats
• Contribute to global governance reform
• Build an international professional network
• Participate in high-level policy discussions
• Gain visibility through publications and international events

International Mobility Benefits

• Potential G-4 visa sponsorship
• UN-funded mission travel when required
• Exposure to global policy processes
• Collaboration with international experts

 

Contract Duration

The selected consultant will receive:

• A 16-month Consultant Contract (CTC)
• Expected start date by 1 September 2026
• Possible earlier start in August 2026

The role will be conducted primarily in person in New York with hybrid work arrangements.

 

Travel Support

Where official missions are required, UNU will cover:

• Economy-class airfare
• Accommodation costs
• Meals and incidentals within UN-approved rates

Travel will require:

• Medical clearance
• Security clearance
• Completion of BSAFE training
• Appropriate visa documentation

 

How to Apply

Applicants must:

1. Submit an application through the UNU online application portal.
2. Complete the official UNU P11 Form.
3. Provide a motivation statement within the application.
4. Answer position-specific screening questions.

Candidates should ensure all required documents are completed accurately before submission.

 

Application Deadline

Deadline: Thursday, 25 June 2026

Applications must be received no later than 12:00 PM New York Time. Late submissions will not be considered.

 

Why You Should Apply

This consultancy offers a rare opportunity to influence global policymaking while working with one of the most respected research institutions within the United Nations system.

Beyond the highly competitive compensation package, successful candidates will contribute to shaping future international institutions, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and helping governments develop innovative solutions to global challenges.

For experienced researchers seeking a career at the forefront of international policy and governance, this position represents one of the most attractive UN consultancy opportunities available in 2026.

 

Apply here

 

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