The United Nations University (UNU) Macau has announced applications for three outstanding international opportunities for researchers, educators, and professionals passionate about leveraging digital technologies to advance sustainable development.

The available opportunities include the Visiting Research Fellowship (2026), Training & Educational Analyst, and Senior Researcher – Team Lead. These positions provide talented professionals and researchers with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, education, and sustainable development within the United Nations system.

Whether you are an emerging researcher looking to collaborate on impactful projects, an education professional interested in designing innovative learning programmes, or an experienced research leader ready to shape global AI and digital policy, UNU offers a unique platform to make a global impact.

About the United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University is the academic and research arm of the United Nations. For more than five decades, UNU has generated policy-relevant research and educational initiatives addressing global challenges related to sustainable development, technology, governance, climate change, and human welfare.

UNU Macau focuses on Digital Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development (DET4SD), exploring how artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies can support evidence-based policymaking and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Visiting Research Fellowship (2026)

The Visiting Research Fellowship provides researchers with the opportunity to work directly alongside UNU Macau experts on innovative projects exploring the intersection of digital technologies and sustainable development.

The fellowship welcomes both early-career researchers and senior experts who can contribute innovative ideas and practical solutions that support governments and United Nations agencies.

Fellowship Areas

Research proposals may include topics such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Governance
• Emerging Technologies
• Sustainable Development
• Public Policy
• Responsible AI
• Data-driven decision making
• Digital inclusion

Expected Outputs

Selected fellows will contribute through:

• Collaborative research
• Development of measurable applications
• Active engagement with UNU research teams
• Knowledge sharing
• Policy-oriented research outputs

The fellowship typically lasts one to three months between September and December 2026, with financial support provided to help offset travel and living costs in Macau.

2. Training & Educational Analyst

UNU Macau is also recruiting a Training & Educational Analyst to strengthen its educational programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

The successful candidate will support the design, delivery, and evaluation of innovative learning experiences while contributing to research and organizational development.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Designing training programmes
• Facilitating learning activities
• Coordinating with stakeholders
• Evaluating learning effectiveness
• Preparing educational materials
• Supporting organizational development
• Conducting research aligned with institutional priorities
• Performing additional duties assigned by management

This position is ideal for professionals passionate about education, instructional design, digital learning, and international capacity development.

3. Senior Researcher – Team Lead

The Senior Researcher – Team Lead position is designed for experienced researchers capable of leading multidisciplinary research teams and delivering internationally recognized research.

The successful candidate will lead research activities while building partnerships, supervising projects, mentoring researchers, and representing UNU in international academic and policy forums.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading high-quality research programmes
• Managing multidisciplinary research teams
• Building international partnerships
• Mobilizing research resources
• Publishing impactful research
• Presenting at international conferences
• Leading educational and training activities
• Supporting institutional strategy and innovation

This role is well suited for accomplished academics and professionals with expertise in AI, emerging technologies, digital governance, and sustainable development.

Why Apply?

These UNU opportunities provide exceptional professional and academic benefits, including:

• Working within the United Nations system
• Contributing to global sustainable development initiatives
• Collaborating with leading international researchers
• Building expertise in artificial intelligence and digital innovation
• Expanding international professional networks
• Contributing to policy-relevant research
• Supporting governments and UN agencies with evidence-based solutions

Application Deadlines

Applicants should take note of the following deadlines:

• Visiting Research Fellowship: 24 July 2026
• Training & Educational Analyst: 2 August 2026
• Senior Researcher – Team Lead: 9 August 2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants should review the detailed requirements for their preferred opportunity and submit their applications through the official United Nations University Careers portal.

Application links:

• Visiting Research Fellowship: Apply Here
• Training & Educational Analyst: Apply Here
• Senior Researcher – Team Lead: Apply Here

Conclusion

The United Nations University Macau’s latest recruitment presents an exciting opportunity for researchers, educators, and professionals eager to contribute to the future of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Whether you are seeking a research fellowship or a professional career within the United Nations system, these opportunities provide an excellent platform to work on globally significant projects while collaborating with world-class experts. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the respective deadlines.

For more information on these opportunities, visit here. 

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