Associate Academic Officer (P2)

United Nations University

United Nations University (UNU)

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.

About 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.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Head of EMIC section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

1. Conduct research on the interlinkages between environment and migration, including drivers and outcomes of migration especially in the Global South context.

  • Develop research methodologies such as participatory tools to better understand how affected people interpret and respond to environmental risk including migration.
  • Work with those directly affected by environmental change and representatives of states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to understand the impacts of environmental migration.
  • Disseminate findings through academic and policy conferences and publications.

2. Manage existing projects on the links between sustainable transitions and societal outcomes and stakeholder participation in the Horizon 2020 funded LOCOMOTION and RethinkAction projects.

  • For LOCOMOTION, manage the work package on demographic and societal impacts of sustainable transitions
  • Manage the stakeholder interaction process for the RethinkAction project.
  • Manage the administrative processes and interactions with funder for both projects.

3. Acquisition of funding from international and domestic sources.

  • Use networks to secure project funds in line with Section and Institute’s Mission and Vision.
  • Manage the research and administration of EU funded projects.
  • Bid for and successfully complete consultancy projects

4. Contribute and co-ordinate capacity-building efforts particularly in developing countries, including teaching and advising.

  • Teach on post-graduate courses on the theme of environmental risk and supervise post-graduate student theses.
  • Contribute to online teaching resources such as Massive Open Online Courses.
  • Supervise junior team members, including Research Associates, Student Assistants and Interns.

5. Work collaboratively within the UNU system with a range of scientists to address environmental risk and migration in a holistic manner.

  • Contribute to the UNU Climate Resilience Initiative to investigate flood events in Europe in 2021.
  • Collaborate with researchers at other UNU institutes as part of the City Responses to Climate Risks (CR2) project.
  • Contribute to regional and global policy processes related to the protection of environmental migrants, including vulnerable groups.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

  • Creation and dissemination of policy relevant knowledge on environmental migration to inform UNFCCC and other relevant frameworks.
  • Timely and quality development, implementation and delivery of ongoing and new projects (including consultancy projects).
  • Successful acquisition of funds for research projects and consultancies.
  • Teaching on UNU-EHS post-graduate courses and training partners and more junior staff in specific research methodologies.
  • UNU-EHS is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by UNU and UN partners, research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.

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

Qualifications

Education and certification

Advanced university degree (Ph.D.) in Human Geography, Disasters, Migration, Climate Change Adaptation or a related social science discipline

Experience

  • Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • A minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible post-doctoral experience working in the field of environmental mobility within an International Organization setting.
  • Knowledge and understanding of migration and societal modelling approaches.
  • Experience of using Q-methodology.
  • Knowledge and understanding of global and regional migration policy frameworks.
  • Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including those directly affected by environmental change and representatives of states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
  • Experience of managing EU-funded research projects.
  • Track record of successful acquisition of third-party funding for research projects
  • Excellent writing skills and fluency in both oral and written English.

Language Requirements

  • Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
  • Fluency in English is required

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Expected starting date: As soon as possible

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: 1 June, 2022

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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

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 organisation. 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.


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