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
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks
in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical
solutions oriented toward immediate implementation and sustainability over the long term.
In June 2022, UNU-CPR established an office in Geneva, with the generous support of the Government of Switzerland, to help expand the Centre's support across the UN system, collaborate with the full range of policy actors in International Geneva, and help bridge the policy ecosystems in Geneva and New York. As the Research Lead for the Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, UNU-CPR collaborates with scientific leaders in the UN system and cutting-edge scientists around the world.
More information about its work is available here: https://unu.edu/cpr
Only candidates from the Global South may apply.
This Science-Policy Visiting Fellowship is part of a joint initiative between UNU-CPR and the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) to strengthen the science-policy interface in Geneva, connecting scientists, research institutions, and private sector actors to the diplomatic community. The project was launched in 2025, with a series of science-policy briefings.
In 2026-2027, UNU-CPR and GSPI offer opportunities for greater Global South engagement in the research and policy processes in International Geneva by hosting two Visiting Fellows from the Global South to work on research projects at the intersection of science and policy.
Two projects were identified in discussions with actors from the Geneva UN ecosystem. The present Science-Policy Visiting Fellowship will support one of these projects: "Data Governance for Development: From Asymmetry to Equitable Stewardship", in collaboration with the secretariat of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD).
The CSTD is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations focal point for science, technology and innovation (STI) for development, in analyzing how STI, including information and communications technologies (ICTs), serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has hosted the secretariat of the commission since 1993.
For its 30th session, CSTD will address the priority theme of "Data Governance for Development: From Asymmetry to Equitable Stewardship". This theme examines how inequalities in data infrastructure, ownership, and governance capacity are creating new global disparities, with disproportionate impacts on developing nations (LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS). It also investigates how biases embedded in data collection processes systematically underrepresent marginalized groups, including women. The central question is how equitable, interoperable data governance frameworks can be designed to promote inclusive digital cooperation and ensure that data as a strategic resource contributes to shared prosperity and sustainable development.
This fellowship would focus on producing policy-relevant research on these issues, including contributing to the report introducing this theme at the commission's intersessional panel on November 6th in Geneva.
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UNU-CPR and GSPI value collaborative, entrepreneurial researchers who are comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders across the diplomatic, scientific, and NGO communities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note that this is a full-time position based in Geneva requiring a minimum number of days in the office and availability for in-person meetings. Work from a remote location is not possible. UNU-CPR and GSPI will support visa application and travel costs.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI):
The Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) is an independent platform with the mission to foster and promote science-informed policymaking, by leveraging its unique position in the heart of Geneva as a hub of international cooperation. Nested within a world-class university, the GSPI addresses some of the key barriers to effective engagement between scientific institutions and international policy professionals. Founded in 2018 by the University of Geneva with the joint support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the GSPI is backed by leading research institutions and key multilateral partners.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Office, UNU-CPR Geneva, the Visiting Fellow will have the following responsibilities:
1. Research and Analysis
Develop an analytical, policy-relevant report on how equitable and interoperable data governance frameworks can address structural asymmetries in data access, infrastructure, and ownership, with a focus on the development needs of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, in support of the issues note being prepared by the CSTD Secretariat on "Data Governance for Development: From Asymmetry to Equitable Stewardship” for its next session.
Formulate concrete and forward-looking policy recommendations on how data governance can be designed to promote inclusive digital cooperation and shared prosperity.
In connection with ongoing efforts related to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), review and assess how existing initiatives relating to data governance within the UN System contribute to the objectives set out by the GDC, with a focus on development.
2. Science-Policy Engagement
Engage with science, technology and innovation (STI) and development actors in Geneva, including CSTD, UNODET and UNCTAD, providing targeted briefings and presentations to inform ongoing discussions on data governance for development.
Organize and facilitate 1–2 workshops bringing together scientific experts, diplomats, and civil society actors to present and refine their research findings, engaging with Geneva's broader science-policy community in the process.
Attend other workshops and events as appropriate
3. Knowledge Development
Develop a relevant academic article building on the fellowship research
Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and collaborative activities within UNU-CPR and GSPI
Support the evolution of the Visiting Fellowship programme as part of the inaugural cohort
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Timely delivery of a high-quality analytical report on equitable and interoperable data governance frameworks in support of the CSTD issues note on "Data Governance for Development: From Asymmetry to Equitable Stewardship"
Quality, relevance, and uptake of policy recommendations and briefings on inclusive data governance in CSTD discussions and GDC implementation processes
Effectiveness of stakeholder engagement, including 1-2 workshops and interactions with Geneva-based STI and development actors
Strength of collaboration with UN entities, scientific experts, and policy stakeholders
Contribution to science-policy dialogue and knowledge outputs (including academic publication and UNU-CPR/GSPI internal knowledge-sharing activities)"
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
