About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, 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 the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.
United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS):
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.
Interconnected Disaster Risk report:
The Interconnected Disaster Risk Report is a science-based report written for the public with strong communication focus and serves and UNU-EHS flagship publication. The first report was published in September 2021, followed by the second in 2022. We are seeking to fill a new Research Associate position to co-author the report and respective technical background reports in 2023.
Responsibilities
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Contribute to the research on the topics of the annual Interconnected Disaster Risk report
- Undertake a literature review related to the report´s annual focus;
- Analyze root causes, drivers, impacts, emerging risks and potential tipping points. Identify possible solutions for selected events;
2. Contribute to the writing of the annual Interconnected Disaster Risk Report
- Lead the writing process of 2-3 technical background papers;
- Contribute to further 2-3 technical background papers;
- Review technical background papers;
- Support the development of a reference list based on reference management software;
- Contribute to the main body of the report
3. Contribute to the visualization and the development of communication products
- Support the visualization of concepts, such as infographics and tables and figures;
- Support the development of communication materials related to the body of academic work by providing input, fact checking and liaising closely with the UNU-EHS communication section;
4. Contribute to the internal communication
- Participate in regular team meeting and workshops with the science and the communication team;
- Liaise with other teams and sections within UNU-EHS as necessary.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key performance indicators
- Timely and quality collection and analysis of relevant information for the annual topical focus
- Timely and quality delivery of technical reports, parts of the main report and inputs for the communication products
- High quality engagement with project team and implementation partners
- Contribution to project, institute and UNU mission.
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion—Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
- Integrity— Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
- Humility — Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
- Humanity— Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
- Connect and collaborate— Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
- Analyse and plan— Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
- Deliver results with positive impact— Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
- Learn and develop— Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
- Adapt and innovate— Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Education and certification
- Completed a Master’s degree with high academic standing in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, Behavioral Science, Sustainability Science, or other relevant discipline;
Experience
- Relevant work experience (1year desirable), and familiarity with concepts and methods related to disaster risk assessment, risk reduction strategies, climate change adaptation and mitigation is required
- Strong methodological skillset for quantitative or qualitative empirical research in the field of disaster risk is required
- Proven excellent communication and writing skills for both academic and non-academic texts are required
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information, and to translate into impactful communications and publications/reports/presentations is an asset.
- Proven experience in coordination and delivering products by adhering to strict deadlines is required;
- Reflected team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Initiative seeker; strong ability to carry out work independently; curious personality preferred.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English both oral and written, is required;
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
This is a full-time employment on a twelve (12) months Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
This post is open to applicants from all countries and UNU will aid the successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary. It is, however, a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany.
Expected startdate: As soon as possible
How to apply
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
- provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
- apply via the apply link.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline: 10 March 2023
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
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