UNU as Policy Research Fellow – Power & Accountability | Kuala Lumpur | Up to USD $62,000

Are you ready to influence global health systems and advance accountability in international policy? The United Nations University – International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) is hiring a Policy Research Fellow (P3) to join its Power and Accountability program.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, this exciting opportunity allows you to engage in evidence-based policy research, international convenings, and capacity building in the Global South. With an annual salary of up to $62,024 USD, this role is ideal for experienced public health, governance, or policy professionals passionate about equitable, anti-colonial global health reform.

🗓 Deadline to Apply: Rolling
📍 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
💼 Position: Policy Research Fellow (P-3 Level)
💰 Salary: $59,151–$62,024 USD/year
📘 Institution: United Nations University – IIGH

🌐 Background & Job Description

The UNU-IIGH is the academic and research arm of the UN system on global health governance. Its Power and Accountability workstream seeks to strengthen decision-making processes, increase civic participation, and promote health equity through rights-based, feminist, and decolonial policy approaches.

As a Policy Research Fellow, you will lead cross-cutting research, coordinate global and regional policy dialogues, and design tools and training for use across the UN system, civil society, and academic institutions.

This post is part of UNU-IIGH’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and contributes to shaping discourse on fairness, representation, and legitimacy in health governance—especially in low- and middle-income countries.

UNU – Policy Research Fellow (P3) | Up to USD $62,000

📋 Key Responsibilities

🧪 Research & Knowledge Dissemination

• Design and lead research projects focused on power structures, decision-making, and accountability in global health governance.

• Publish peer-reviewed papers, policy briefs, working papers, and tools.

• Conduct mixed-methods analysis on equity, governance, and participation in health systems.

🤝 Policy Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent UNU-IIGH at regional and international forums, roundtables, and intergovernmental meetings.

• Convene and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues with governments, donors, UN agencies, and civil society.

• Build and sustain strategic policy partnerships with global institutions and policy influencers.

🎓 Capacity Building & Training

• Develop and lead training programs for civil society, policymakers, and researchers in the Global South.

• Produce guides, toolkits, and learning modules on rights-based policy analysis and participatory governance.

📊 Program Management & Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to institutional strategic planning, monitoring, and reporting.

• Lead or support grant writing, donor relations, and fundraising.

• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, interns, and project assistants.

🎓 Qualifications

✅ Education

• Master’s degree in public health, international development, political science, social sciences, or a related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience, OR

• PhD in a relevant discipline with 5+ years of experience.

✅ Experience

• Proven experience conducting international policy research and leading multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.

• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals and policy forums.

• Previous involvement in resource mobilization and team management.

🌟 Desired Attributes

• Expertise in gender-transformative, anti-colonial, or intersectional research.

• Experience designing or delivering capacity building or training programs.

• Background in implementation science, feminist economics, or participatory governance.

• Familiarity with global health institutions, including WHO, UNFPA, or GAVI.

🌐 Additional Information

🌍 Languages

• Fluency in English is required.

• Knowledge of additional UN languages is an asset.

📦 Remuneration & Contract

• Annual salary: $59,151–$62,024 (tax-exempt, net of UN salary scale P-3 Step I–II)

• Location: On-site in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Duration: One-year renewable contract based on performance and funding

• Benefits include: UN health insurance, annual leave, and access to UN resources

🧾 Application Instructions

• Submit CV, cover letter, and examples of published research or policy outputs via the official UNU careers page.

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions are encouraged.

FAQs

Q1: Is this job remote?
No. This is an on-site role based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q2: Can international applicants apply?
Yes. UNU welcomes global applicants. However, visa sponsorship will depend on nationality and UNU HR procedures.

Q3: Does the salary include benefits?
Yes. UNU offers tax-exempt salaries along with health insurance, pension, and paid leave.

Q4: Is this a short-term contract?
The initial contract is for one year, renewable based on performance and funding.

Q5: What does P3 level mean?
P3 is a mid-career professional level within the UN system, typically requiring 5–7 years of experience and strong technical expertise.