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- 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 macau.unu.edu.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Researcher, the remote consultant will contribute to AI state-of-the-art research to support policymaking for sustainable development of the Institute. Roles and responsibility will include the following:
Generate and implement agentic AI frameworks in policymaking scenarios for sustainable economic development.
Ideate, build and implement multi-agent systems (MAS) that inform policymaking within the UN Ethical and conceptual frameworks.
Enhance the explainability and reasoning transparency of MAS in scenarios for policymaking to advance the SDGS.
Establish connections between MAS and UN dynamic databases.
When required, work in collaboration with other UN Agencies to implement MAS for policymaking in strategic scenarios for the advancement of the SDGs.
With the support of the Senior Researcher, deliver submissions to top-tier research conferences and journals.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor
Deliver multi-agent systems (MAS) in UN scenarios for policymaking.
Use MAS to support policymaking decisions in collaboration with UN Agencies.
Deliver a minimum of 2 publications in top-tier conference or journal.
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 or above in Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, or physics.
Formal training in multi-agent systems is an asset.
Currently PhD students or postdocs with experience in multi-agent systems (MAS) is an asset.
2) Required skills and experience
Track record of publications and / or hands-on project implementation in collaboration with governmental organizations, industry or civil society partners on multi-agent systems, including building frameworks with chatbots, ML, generative AI, Machine Learning and ABMs to solve real-world challenges.
Experience in benchmarking and evaluating LLMs, in the context of agentic AI with industry or governmental partners.
Track record of strong programming skills (including Python and / or Julia).
Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governmental and intergovernmental organizations, private, and non-profit.
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work with a diversity of stakeholders, including governmental and international organizations, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Passion for the mission of the United Nations and enthusiasm to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
A strong, proactive and self-driven focus with a willingness to learn, be open-minded, and pursue research and learning goals.
3) Language Requirements
Strong communication, presentation and writing skills in English.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC). 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 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.
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 http://icsc.un.org).
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.
01 March, 2026
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.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
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.
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.
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