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-Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (BIOLAC) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-BIOLAC promotes the use of biotechnology for the sustainable development of Latin American and Caribbean countries. UNU-BIOLAC accomplishes its goals by building capacities, creating knowledge, and supporting problem-oriented research on significant areas of concern for the region. UNU-BIOLAC materializes an academic community through a dynamic network of researchers and institutions participating as Programme members under several cooperative agreements. This network coordinates research and training projects, conducts training activities, and mentors short-stay research visits and training internships.
The Programme Coordinator reports to the Rector of the United Nations University and has overall responsibility for the organization and management of UNU-BIOLAC and its programmes.
The Programme Coordinator develops and manages national and international partnerships and negotiations, overseas the finance, operations, and management of UNU-BIOLAC and implements the strategy within the broader context of the UNU strategic objectives.
UNU is looking for a dynamic individual who can recruit, lead and manage a diverse team of experts; build and strengthen partnerships with think tanks, universities, the private sector, and other parts of the UN system; and produce world-class, policy-relevant analyses, convene critical dialogues and support capacity strengthening, particularly in the Global South.
1. Leadership and strategic management
Manage the implementation of UNU-BIOLAC's capacity building programme, which administers grants to professionals in biotechnology through focused training and capacity development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Serve as the Programme Coordinator with overall responsibility for the direction, organisation, administration, and programming of UNU-BIOLAC, in accordance with the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the UNU-BIOLAC Scientific Advisory Committee;
Manage, hire and supervise personnel, promoting diversity, inclusion and gender equality;
Manage the Programme’s budget, including reporting requirements to donors and within the UNU system; and
Lead relations with the host country, donors, and other stakeholders.
2. Resource mobilisation
Strengthen the Programme’s resource mobilisation strategy to secure funding; and
Manage donor relations and networks, including resource mobilisation activities for the Programme’s research programmes.
3. Represent UNU-BIOLAC and establish strategic partnerships
Establish and maintain relationships with the UN system, the host and other governments, local, regional, national and international partners, donors, and other stakeholders to achieve collaboration on programme development, implementation, and resource mobilisation;
Strengthen and expand scientific partnerships and networks with relevant institutions, including major UN stakeholders, think tanks, research organisations, and academic networks internal and external to UNU; and
Draw on UNU’s convening power and represent UNU-BIOLAC in local and global fora to raise the Programme’s visibility, presence, and impact.
4. Knowledge sharing and collaboration
Facilitate the dissemination and translation of the Institute’s knowledge products to key stakeholders and the public;
Co-ordinate UNU-BIOLAC’s work programme with other UN and UNU activities and institutions in different parts of the world, particularly in the Global South;
Support the Rector and the UNU system, including participation in the Conference of Directors of UNU institutes and system-wide initiatives; and
Produce and contribute to research that supports the ethical use of biotechnology in Latin America and the Caribbean.
5. Perform other duties in support of the Institute and UNU system, as requested by the Rector
UNU-BIOLAC implements a high-quality programme, including delivering of high-quality training and events.
UNU-BIOLAC is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by donors, governments, research partners, civil society, and the UN System.
The Programme records increased and sustainable donor support from diversified funding sources and nurtures excellent donor relationships.
A high level of academic excellence is guaranteed in the Programme’s activities through internal quality control and guidance for academic activities.
The Programme is well-managed according to the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the UNU-BIOLAC Scientific Advisory Committee, including harmonious personnel relations maintained both within the institute and within UNU headquarters.
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
Advanced university degree in scientific discipline related to biotechnology. A Ph.D. is strongly preferred.
2) Required skills and experience
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in biotechnology or a related discipline with demonstrable leadership and management abilities;
The capacity to formulate and articulate a shared vision for the institution, to persuade audiences of its value, and to engage others in its implementation;
A background of research and publications in biotechnology or a relevant field is preferred;
Demonstrated experience in sound financial and human resource management;
Strong fundraising skills and demonstrable success in securing support from multiple funders are preferred;
The ability to articulate a compelling funding strategy for future work programmes in a funding environment undergoing rapid change;
The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse cultural backgrounds and with political representatives and communities in both developed and developing countries;
Proven commitment to issues of human development;
Demonstrated understanding of gender issues and commitment to the UN principles and ideals;
3) Language Requirements:
Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English and Spanish is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
The successful candidate will be employed under Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract at 60% full-time equivalent (FTE). UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including an annual net salary (of/in the range of) USD 3,377.80 - USD 4,203.45, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include annual leave and a health insurance scheme according to UNU regulations.
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 PSA holders.
This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) appointment. The initial appointment will be for two years 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.
1 November 2026
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.
31 January 2026
Submissions must be received by 11:59 pm Venezuelan Standard Time (VET) 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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