Education Assistant (PSA2)

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.

The Education Unit leads the Institute’s coordination of educational and capacity building activities as well as the development of educational partnerships and networks. It notably manages all processes related to the Joint Master of Science Programme with the University of Bonn as well as its scholarship programme under EPOS, a postgraduate development focused funding scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange (DAAD). It is also responsible for organizing and managing the processes related to the internal staff capacity building and training and the institutional internship programmes.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the supervision of the Head of the Education Unit, the appointee will be entrusted with a variety of tasks related to the coordination and administration of educational and capacity building programmes offered by UNU-EHS. The appointee will support and take over tasks from the following areas:

1. Postgraduate/ Master’s programme:

Application Management:

• Support programme promotion and dissemination of calls for applications, revision of related materials;
• Communication with applicants; filing and pre-screening applications, keeping related documentation;
• Support the assessment process incl. interview preparation and follow-up as needed.

Services for students/scholars:

• Assist the onboarding of new students incl. visa-, housing-, enrolment- and other related matters;
• Support welcome services for students and scholars incl. arrival and introductory programme.
• Issuance of certificates, letters, references and administrative forms;

Other administrative & logistical support

• Support study-related network activities and interaction with external partners;
• Aid facilitation of (extra-)curricular study activities (e.g. simulation games, training courses, trips);
• Assist alumni activities of the master’s programme incl. related events.

2. Capacity Building Programme:

• Support communication with training providers (preparation, execution, follow up);
• Communication with participants (draft and distribute workshop/training registration call, follow up on individual questions, registration management, issuance of certificates);
• Documentation and maintenance of training material on eCampus.

3. Event Management:

• Administrative tasks (programme preparation, conference room, general information, update recurring presentation materials/i.e. presentation slides);
• Communication with General services (i.e. Catering, ICT team, Security, Guardhouse);
• Welcome and hosting visiting groups and guests.

4. Reporting and Marketing:

• Support collection and maintenance of yearly data for reports/statistics;
• Maintain and further develop knowledge resources/ learning tools and depositories;
• Support development of promotional materials for the Master’s Programme, e.g. Student Welcome Guide, Student Profile Booklet, flyers etc.;
• Support communication on Education and Capacity Building activities, career and networking opportunities via appropriate media (i.e. institutional website, social media, Communications Department).

5. Perform other duties as assigned

Key performance indicators

• Thoroughness, accuracy, timeliness and quality of delivering on tasks;
• Accessibility and availability of resources, documentation and regular improvement of recurring administrative/ communication processes;
• High level and accuracy in managing and reporting data;
• Feedback on quality and level of engagement with students, lecturers, staff, service providers, external Educational partners and guests.

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:

• Completed secondary education. A Bachelors’ Degree in Education- or Event Management, Communication, Social/Natural Sciences, International Relations or related field would be desirable. A university degree may substitute for some of the required years of work experience.

Experience:

Required:

• At least 4 years of relevant work experience (with a Bachelor degree at least 3 years), ideally in the field of higher education and/or programme management.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• Very good command of the Microsoft Office suite;
• Previous experience in working in a multi-cultural environment; sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Desired:

• Previous exposure to the work of international organisations/ the UN System
• Previous work experience within the German University system, programme administration, or an International Office would be an asset;
• Strong ability to multitask in a small team, work autonomously, establish priorities and handle pressure.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Working knowledge of German is a strong 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.

Starting date: As soon as possible