Welcome to Maastricht University
The world is changing fast and so are we! Do you want to be part of positive change? Then the job of Project Coordinator at UNU-MERIT is your chance.
Project Coordinator Capacity Development Office (CDO)
- Our goal: Empower policymakers and practitioners through career-advancing, impact-driven training. Our programmes equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to shape, influence, and implement policies aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- Your colleagues: A small, international, and close-knit team of five within UNU-MERIT.
At the Capacity Development Office (CDO), we design and deliver programmes that help professionals worldwide strengthen their ability to shape and implement policy. With the new project Enhancing Migration Management through Capacity Development (MMCD), we take this work further. Between 2026 and 2028, we offer a combination of online and residential training programmes for government professionals. To support this, we are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Coordinator who brings structure, connects people, and keeps things moving.
You play a central role in bringing this initiative to life. You ensure that both online and in-person training activities run smoothly and that participants have a high-quality learning experience. You work closely with academic staff, colleagues across the organisation, and external partners. You support the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of training activities and actively contribute ideas to improve our programmes.
Your responsibilities will include:
- supporting the implementation of training and learning activities in close collaboration with academic staff, administrative colleagues, and project donors
- assisting in the design, delivery, and evaluation of training programmes
- coordinating logistical aspects of the trainings, including travel arrangements, venue bookings, and on-site arrangements
- contributing to the development and delivery of e-learning activities, including managing content on the online learning platform, registering participants, and providing technical support
- participating in project coordination meetings with the Action Manager and Senior Project Coordinator, as well as wider CDO team meetings
- contributing to donor reporting in collaboration with the project team
- supporting additional project-related tasks as required
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an international capacity development programme that strengthens migration governance and supports professional growth across borders.
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
We’re not looking to check boxes; we are interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?
- Experienced coordinator – you have experience in project coordination or project management, ideally in an international, academic, or EU context.
- Education – you hold a higher professional education qualification or a university degree.
- Motivated by impact – you have a genuine interest in migration, education, and public policy.
- Strong communicator and connector – you easily collaborate with colleagues, participants, and partners in an international setting.
- Organisationally strong – you keep an overview, work accurately, and take initiative to ensure processes run smoothly.
- Digitally confident – you are comfortable working with MS Office and online learning platforms such as Moodle or Canvas.
- Stakeholder engagement – you feel at ease collaborating with diverse internal and external partners and building constructive working relationships.
- Clear and multilingual communicator – you communicate professionally and fluently in both English and French.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 12-month contract (0,8 - 1,0 fte) with the prospect of an extenstion until the end of the project (30 November 2028).
- A gross monthly salary between €3057,00and €3985,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
- Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
- Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
- A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
- A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
- An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
About UNU-MERIT
UNU-MERIT is a research and training institute of the United Nations University (UNU) and the School of Business and Economics of Maastricht University. UNU-MERIT aims to advance societal policy and innovation research, provide education and mobilise knowledge in order to unlock the full potential of technology and innovation for achieving inclusive sustainable development.
As a university and UN think tank, we offer distinctive learning experiences that go beyond traditional education. We create dynamic opportunities not only for students, but for professionals worldwide who are committed to tackling today’s most pressing sustainable development challenges, and anticipating those of tomorrow.
Through CDO trainings, participants expand their expertise, strengthen their global networks, and accelerate both personal and professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful, lasting change.https://unu.edu/merit/capacity-development
About the School of Business and Economics (SBE)
SBE is an international faculty for economics, business, and policy. We combine academic depth with societal engagement. Our education is small-scale and interactive. Our research focuses on themes such as sustainability, inclusion, and digital transformation. Together, we work on impactful solutions for the world of tomorrow.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to the CDO team at cdo@merit.unu.edu.
The end date of the publication is May 3rd 2026. For the application, your CV and a motivation letter must be submitted via our vacancy portal. Due to GDPR regulations we are not able to process applications via e-mail.
About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
