Knowledge Management, Events, and Operations Assistant (PSA)
United Nations University (UNU)
Full-time 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 http://unu.edu
UNU-INWEH, headquartered in Richmond Hill (Greater Toronto Area), Canada, is one of 13 research and training institutions that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development, environmental health, and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people. UNU-INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director, the Knowledge Management and Events Coordinator Assistant will provide support in the areas of knowledge management, content production, scientific outreach, event coordination, and operational support. The incumbent will contribute to the efficient planning, implementation, and follow-up of capacity-building, awareness-raising, and public engagement activities, while ensuring smooth logistical support.
The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Office of the Director; Partnerships and Public Engagement; Education, Training, and Capacity Building; and Communications and Outreach units as well as other colleagues across the Institute, external partners, and service providers to ensure timely delivery of knowledge outputs and successful execution of training sessions, workshops, and other events.
Continent on the level of appointment the incumbent is expected to:
1. Knowledge Management and Content Production:
Support the development, production, and dissemination of knowledge products, communication materials, and educational content.
Assist in maintaining and updating the online Learning Centre (lc.unu.edu) and UNU-INWEH's other knowledge platforms to ensure information remains accurate and accessible.
Maintain organized records of knowledge products, communication materials, and educational content on SharePoint and other relevant repositories
Contribute to public outreach and the promotion of the Institute's activities, products, and events on social media and digital platforms.
Track education, training, and awareness-raising activities, ensuring proper documentation and reporting.
2. Event Coordination and Capacity Building:
Provide technical, organizational, and logistical support for workshops, training programmes, events, and conferences.
Coordinate logistical arrangements in collaboration with internal teams, partners, and vendors.
Liaise with participants and service providers to ensure smooth delivery of events.
Support the preparation of agendas, concept notes, background materials, participant lists, and post-event reports.
Assist in documenting outcomes and lessons learned from events to support institutional knowledge sharing.
3. Operations and Administrative Support:
Support operational and administrative tasks related to knowledge management and content coordination.
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of supporting documents and maintain organized electronic records.
Assist with procurement, travel, and payment processes related to event and knowledge activities, in line with institutional policies.
Contribute to the preparation of reports, correspondence, and internal documentation as requested.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
Timely and high-quality production of knowledge outputs, training materials, and communication content.
Up-to-date and well-maintained online Learning Centre and knowledge management platforms.
Effective coordination and smooth logistical delivery of workshops, training sessions, and events.
Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of records, reports, and documentation.
Constructive engagement and collaboration with team members, partners, and stakeholders.
High level of client service and responsiveness to inquiries.
Demonstrated adaptability, problem-solving, and attention to detail in administrative and operational tasks.
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
High school diploma (or equivalent) with at least four (4) years of relevant experience post-graduation may be accepted; or
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in geography, environmental sciences, water resources engineering, public health, communications, education, pedagogy, business administration, international development, social sciences, or a related field to the position responsibilities or/and the institute’s areas of work, with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience post-graduation; or
A master's degree (or equivalent) in the above fields would be desirable and may be accepted in lieu of experience.
2) Skills and Experience
Required:
At least 2 years of experience in knowledge management, communications, or event coordination, preferably in an international or academic organization.
Experience in planning, coordinating, and providing logistical support for workshops, training sessions, and conferences (both in-person and virtual).
Demonstrated ability to support content development and production for education, training, or awareness-raising activities, including social media content and outreach campaigns
Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Desirable:
Experience in producing podcasts and high-impact media and social media campaigns would be desirable.
Prior experience in teaching would be an asset.
Familiarity with managing online learning platforms, digital repositories, or knowledge-sharing systems is desirable.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration platforms (MS Teams, SharePoint, Zoom); familiarity with Adobe applications and tools for content design and production is an asset.
Attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Prior experience in managing online learning or knowledge-sharing platforms and experience working in a UN or international environment are desirable.
3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a tax-exempt salary commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Immediate
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;
fill out the UNU P11 Form (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 UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
19 December 2025
Submissions must be received by 23:59, EST on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.
PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. 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 and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. 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.
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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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