Head of Policy Research (P-3) at (UNU) United Nations University: Leading SA-TIED in South Africa

The United Nations University (UNU) is seeking a highly experienced development economist or public policy expert to serve as Head of Policy Research (P-3) under UNU-WIDER.

Based on-site in Pretoria, South Africa, this strategic leadership role will guide the implementation of the Southern African – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme.

With applications closing on 1 March 2026, the position offers an opportunity to lead high-impact policy research at the intersection of academia, government, and international development.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

Established as a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations system, UNU conducts policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to address pressing global challenges.

For over five decades, UNU has advanced impartial research in sustainability, human security, and economic development. With institutes across 12 countries, the organization contributes to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based research and strong partnerships with governments and research institutions worldwide.

About UNU-WIDER

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics research institute and one of the 13 institutes within the UNU system. Founded in Helsinki in 1985, UNU-WIDER provides economic analysis and policy advice to promote sustainable and equitable development.

The institute blends the functions of a think tank, research institute, and UN agency—offering policy advisory services, capacity development, and open-access research that informs national and international policymaking.

The SA-TIED Programme in South Africa

The Southern African – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme is a large-scale research and policy initiative implemented in close collaboration with the National Treasury of South Africa and the South African Revenue Service.

SA-TIED focuses on generating robust empirical evidence to address socio-economic challenges in South Africa and the broader southern African region. A flagship achievement of the programme is the establishment of a Secure Data Facility at the National Treasury, enabling anonymised administrative tax data to be used for research. This has significantly improved the quality and depth of policy-relevant evidence in the country.

The Head of Policy Research will play a central role in strengthening this bridge between research and policymaking.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Programme Leadership

The selected candidate will:

• Serve as UNU-WIDER’s senior representative in South Africa
• Lead day-to-day implementation of the SA-TIED programme
• Oversee collaboration with academic institutions, policymakers, and government stakeholders
• Guide programme design, reporting, and annual work planning
• Manage budgets and certify research deliverables
• Identify emerging policy trends and ensure programme responsiveness

This role requires both academic depth and high-level programme management expertise.

2. Policy Uptake, Research, and Capacity Development

A core function of the position is strengthening policy uptake. Responsibilities include:

• Translating research into actionable policy recommendations
• Advocating for evidence-based policymaking
• Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets
• Representing UNU-WIDER in national and international policy discussions
• Supporting capacity development initiatives

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to bridge research and government processes effectively.

3. Institutional Development and Partnerships

The Head of Policy Research will foster strategic collaborations with:

• Government departments
• Academic institutions
• Civil society organizations
• The UN Country Team in South Africa

In addition, the role involves supporting fundraising efforts and contributing to UNU-WIDER’s broader research programme across Helsinki, Maputo, and other locations.

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4. Team Leadership

Based in Pretoria, the position includes supervision and mentoring of UNU-WIDER academic staff. Responsibilities include performance management, professional development support, and ensuring alignment with programme objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field. A PhD is considered a strong asset.

Applicants should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in managing research programmes within academic or policy institutions. Essential qualifications include:

• Proven experience at the intersection of research and government
• Strong knowledge of South Africa’s socio-economic and policy landscape
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capability
• Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Fluency in English (oral and written)

Willingness to work long-term in Pretoria is mandatory.

Contract Terms and Benefits

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance. The United Nations mandatory retirement age of 65 applies.

UNU offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package including:

• Competitive net salary
• 30 days annual leave
• Pension plan and health insurance
• Dependency benefits

Why This Role Matters

South Africa faces complex socio-economic challenges requiring robust, data-driven policy solutions. Through SA-TIED, UNU-WIDER has created a model for bridging research and policymaking using high-quality administrative data and strong institutional partnerships.

The Head of Policy Research (P-3) position offers a rare opportunity to influence economic policy, strengthen institutional collaboration, and enhance evidence-based decision-making at both national and regional levels.

Qualified candidates committed to inclusive economic development and policy innovation are encouraged to apply before 1 March 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.