Associate Sustainability Officer (part-time 50% position)

  • Contractor
  • Dresden Germany
  • TBD USD / Year
  • United Nations University profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


United Nations University

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, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission 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, United Nations University (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, 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.

United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden, Germany, the Institute engages in research, capacity development, postgraduate teaching, advanced training, and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus. For more information, please visit https://flores.unu.edu/

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of UNU-FLORES the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Establish, develop, and lead research on the Resource Nexus for Sustainability

  • Lead research activities in the field of integrated resources management carried out by the Institute in collaboration with junior and senior researchers;
  • Contribute effectively to the Institute’s research programme by designing, implementing, and managing research projects related to advancing the resource nexus;
  • Coordinate activities related to budget funding and fundraising (project development and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and preparation of related documents and reports; and
  • Contribute to emerging issues advancing the resource nexus that are of interest to the United Nations, its Member States, the United Nations University, and relevant policymakers.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

  • Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and policy briefs; actively represent the Institute at conferences where appropriate; and act as editor of special issues;
  • Work in conjunction with the Partnerships and Liaison Officer to establish contacts with other UN entities, UNU institutes, governments, NGOs, academia, think tanks, and the private sector;
  • Facilitate the dissemination of the Institute’s knowledge products to key stakeholders and the public;
  • Contribute to the UN and UNU-wide network and reports that are relevant to the resource nexus;
  • Support the collaboration and partnership with TU Dresden, including PRISMA, the Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy at TU Dresden; and
  • Develop and curate technical guidance and training materials, such as e-courses, infographics, e-books, and videos.

3. Support the development and implementation of sustainability strategic plans and policies at UNU-FLORES

  • Act as the Sustainability Focal Point of UNU-FLORES providing advice and guidance to colleagues related to sustainability within a variety of projects and procurement activities;
  • Create, develop, and implement an Institutional and programme sustainability strategy for UNU-FLORES and manage the environmental inventory;
  • Collection, analysis, and presentation of background materials and information for the formulation of the sustainability programme, draft project documents, work plans and proposals;
  • Establish impactful management targets for sustainability; and
  • Contribute to and help shape the Institute’s strategic and implementation plan and ensure direct reports support the execution of the implementation plan.

4. Education

  • Supervision of graduate students and interns as well as co-supervision of PhD students; and
  • Contribute to the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development.

5. Institutional Development

  • Write and support colleagues with the development of concepts and proposals for fundraising;
  • Contribute to and support the wider UNU-FLORES publications including peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, white papers, policy briefs, and advocacy activities; and
  • Contribute to and help shape the Institute’s strategic and implementation plan and ensure direct reports support the execution of the implementation plan.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Key performance indicators

  • Timely and quality development and implementation of an Institutional sustainability strategy
  • Timely and quality delivery of research and knowledge products on the topic of resource nexus for sustainability
  • Quality and level of engagement with key partners
  • Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
  • Performance of personnel (students and interns), the office produces quality knowledge products

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

Required Qualifications and Experience

  • A PhD or equivalent in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Political Science, International Development or other related fields. A Master’s degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a PhD.
  • At least two (2) years of post-PhD, progressive and relevant work experience; more than five (5) years of experience would be highly advantageous;
  • Must have working experience and in-depth knowledge in sustainability,
  • Must have knowledge in corporate sustainability, project management and coordination, or communication, some of which preferably in an international setting;
  • Knowledge of corporate social responsibility would be highly advantageous;
  • Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
  • Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office products;
  • Experience with collaborating with internal and external stakeholders;
  • Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;
  • Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
  • An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Fluency in English and German 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 a monthly net salary of EUR 2042.50. 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

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected start date: as soon as possible

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

National PSA only: UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

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

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.

How to apply

How to Apply:

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

  • Apply via the apply link;
  • 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); and
  • answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 17 July 2022


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