Senior Researcher on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals

The Senior Researcher will lead interdisciplinary research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UNU Institute in Macau. The role involves managing research teams, securing funding, producing high-quality research outputs, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to promote policy-relevant knowledge and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programmes aligned with the Institute's vision and strategy at an international level.
• Manage a team of interdisciplinary researchers and oversee multiple projects.
• Oversee budget and finance of projects delivered by the research team.
• Manage, mentor and coach junior researchers and student researchers/interns.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, creativity, and results-driven planning with risk foresight.
• Lead Institutional events such as conferences, including organization of sessions and proceedings.
• Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies for policy-relevant topics.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with government, UN entities, private sector, NGOs, and donors.
• Oversee MoU and agreement signing on academic collaboration and UNU hub formation.
• Ensure donor reporting accountability and compliance with agreements.
• Engage policy consumers from research conceptualization through collaboration.
• Ensure all research projects meet Ethical Review Board requirements before data collection.
• Monitor and evaluate research activities and supervise project reporting.
• Prepare presentations and reports for various audiences.
• Publish in high-quality academic journals and produce diverse written products such as blogs, policy briefs, and UN reports.
• Communicate research accomplishments at academic conferences and high-impact international venues.
• Contribute to the Institute’s publication and social media platforms.
• Lead and oversee training or educational activities in research areas.
• Teach educational and training programmes on behalf of the Institute.
• Collaborate with the Training and Educational team to design and develop programmes for diverse audiences.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Head of Research and Director.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, information studies, human-computer interaction, data science, digital technology and ethics, economics, communication studies, development studies, computer-based modelling, computational social science or related field is required.
• Research focus on AI and its impact on SDGs, including interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise in AI tools and techniques.
• At least five (5) years of post-doctoral full-time, progressive experience in managing successful academic research programs, including managing teams of at least two (2) staff.
• Track record of excellent academic publications and/or policy briefs commensurate with career stage.
• Experience managing research operations including human resources, finance and budgeting of research teams.
• Strong people management skills and experience in supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Passion for the mission of the United Nations and enthusiasm to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
• Selected candidates are required to reside full-time in Macau; this is not a remote position.
• Desirable: Experience working with diverse stakeholders including public, private, non-profit and intergovernmental organizations.
• Desirable: Experience in managing a multi-disciplinary team.
• Desirable: Experience working with United Nations system.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, excellent drafting skills, and fluency in English.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Skills

• Artificial Intelligence Research
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Academic Research Management
• Research Team Supervision
• Research Operations Management
• Human Resources Management
• Research Budgeting
• Policy Brief Writing
• Interdisciplinary Research
• AI Tools and Techniques
• Multicultural Work Environment
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication and Presentation
• Research Publication
• Project Funding Acquisition

Languages

English