Germany: Research Associate (Part-time)

United Nations University Objectives:

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

The Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation Section – EMSVA- undertakes empirical research on social vulnerability and resilience as well as human mobility. The section also addresses climate change adaptation including a range of activities such as disaster risk reduction and insurance-related approaches to help vulnerable countries and communities.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and guidance of the Head of the Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation (EMSVA) section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

• Implement a PhD project at the interphase of policy and practice;
• Critically review existing academic and policy literature about resilience, adaptation and the emergence of adaptation policy regimes as well as related issues including loss and damage, adaptation, climate risk management, disaster risk reduction, and risk transfer;
• Engage with a broader research community to contribute to conceptualization of climate change impacts on society and help translate these into meaningful policy and implementation options (e.g. climate policy process transfer);
• Publish policy relevant research in UNU policy brief.
• Further develop research profile in climate adaptation and social resilience through relevant reports, journal publications, book chapters, policy briefs, social media, press and additional public visibility.
• Support the Section Head as necessary to write project proposals, develop research programs, and write scientific articles. Provide intellectual and strategic support on climate policy and engagement, adaptation policy and loss & damage towards UNU-EHS and affiliated initiatives.
• Undertake teaching contributions for UNU-EHS on climate policy and related processes, and related topics.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced experience in climate policy process and institutions at national and international levels, climate policy and climate practice.
• Enrolled in PhD-programme in Social Sciences, Geography, Economics, Environmental Science, or other relevant field with an emphasis on Disaster Risk Management, Adaptation to Climate Change, Resilience; with minimum of two (2) years of internationally recognized scientific working experience related to climate impacts, adaptation and risk management.
• Proven track record in policy relevant advise on climate change issues,
• Excellent communication and writing skills with fluency in spoken and written English and German.
• Strong ability to carry out work independently and in an international team.
• Proven background and strong skills in managing projects in multicultural surrounding, preferably related to climate change impacts, resilience, climate policy, regime theory and the international system.
• Knowledge in networking and collaborative projects and research.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office, etc.).

Desirable Experience and Competencies:
• Familiarity and established network with ongoing global climate policy framework discussions and desired outcomes of current key events such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, the International Conference for Financing and Development, the UN General Assembly’s articulation of the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals and the yearly session of the Conference of the Parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Strong network in disaster risk reduction and management and climate sciences.

Remuneration:

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of Contract:

This is a part-time employment on a two (2) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with the possibility of renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Starting Date:
As soon as possible.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail (to hrbonn@vie.unu.edu), and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from the UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2016/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/3).

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8)