United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit

About Office/Institute

UNU- Macau is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.  UNU Macau is dedicated to research, training, and education on digital technologies for sustainable development. It promotes evidence-based actions and policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNU Macau is located in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, the only UN entity in the city. Situated within the Greater Bay Area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, UNU Macau benefits from its proximity not only to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR but also to many other Asian countries, offering unique opportunities for researchers and experts to maximize research impact. For more information, visit .

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior Researcher/Acting Head of Research, the consultant will contribute to AI state-of-the-art research to contribute to the development of a human-AI argumentative framework, which supports SDG-aligned decision making.  

  • Conduct research on an inclusive human-AI argumentative framework to support UN member states on SDG-aligned decision making.

  • Contribute to deliver a prototype and support its validation with domain experts and stakeholders.

  • Contribute to the writing of 1 publication and/or technical demo and submit it to a top-tier conference or journal.

Key performance indicators

  • Deliver a human-AI argumentative framework to support SDG-aligned decision making.

  • Contribute to deliver a prototype and support its validation with domain experts and stakeholders.

  • Generate a submit minimum of 1 publication and/or technical demo to a top-tier conference or journal.

Competencies

Values:

  • Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

  • Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

  • Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

  • Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

  • Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

  • Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

  • Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

  • Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

  • Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways


1) Education and certification

  • Master’s degree in AI, computer science, data science, engineering, applied mathematics, or physics.

2) Required skills and experience

  • Track record of publications and / or hands-on projects in trustworthy multiagent recommender systems, human-AI dialogue protocols, including counterfactual scenarios.

  • Track record in the design of explainable AI frameworks.

  • Experience in AI projects with social impact in multidisciplinary teams.

3) Language Requirements

  • Strong communication skills in English.

  • Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Duration

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC) from September 24 to December 10, 2026.

Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

The initial engagement will be for a contract of twelve (12) months.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of CTC holders.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and based on a daily rate to be submitted as part of the application procedure. 

This contract carries no entitlement to paid annual leave nor sick leave.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at ).

Expected start date

September 24, 2026

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

  • Apply via the apply link;

  • fill out the  (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

  • provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

  • answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the for more information.

Application Deadline

September 10, 2026 (Macau time zone, GMT+8)

Submissions must be received by 11:59pm (Macau time zone, GMT+8) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

** Application page for submission no longer operational beyond application deadline.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position. Consultants do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.