Head of Research Programme: Resource Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID) FTA – IP-P3

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 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/

Head of Research Programme: Resources Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID)

To enable the Resource Nexus approach to integrated resource management and sustainable development, UNU-FLORES is launching a new research programme in 2022. This new programme that will turn UNU-FLORES into the global hub for Resource Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID) is focused on identifying, developing, and promoting data, information, computational techniques, and analytical tools that facilitate the sustainable management of water, soil, waste, energy, and geo-resources based on nexus thinking.

The Resource Nexus AID Research Programme will benefit and involve an international network of AID scientists and professionals who work at the interface of science-policy-society to facilitate the regional and global collaborative efforts to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate, nature, and pollution and fulfilling the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As suggested by its name, the programme has three main pillars:

1. 1. Resource Nexus Data The Data pillar aims to facilitate data exchange and fill the data gaps for analysing resource nexus in coupled human-environment systems. This pillar inventories the existing resource nexus data and identifies the data gaps using a problem-driven approach that help governments, societies and businesses tackle the global environmental challenges.
   2. Resource Nexus Informatics The Informatics pillar aims to build and improve the capacity for computing and processing resource nexus data. This pillar inventories, develops, and promotes the state-of-the-art tools and best practices to store, process, analyse, and manage resource nexus data in coupled human-environment systems.
   3. Resource Nexus Analytics The Analytics pillar aims to facilitate the extraction of information from data and inform decision-making by inventorying, developing, and promoting the state-of-the-art resource nexus analytical tools and frameworks

The purpose of this position is to play a vital role in establishing a globally recognised and interdisciplinary research programme and building an innovative research culture across UNU. Under the leadership of the selected candidate, the Resource Nexus AID Research Programme will aid academics, businesses, policymakers, societies, the United Nations, and intergovernmental agencies to navigate through complexity and examine the interrelatedness and interdependencies of the components of coupled human-environment systems.

This position holder will also make a fundamental contribution to strengthen the Nexus Approach to integrated and sustainable management of environmental resources championed by UNU-FLORES. The selected candidate will play a key role in delivering UNU’s grant generation goals through developing a significant network of support and partnerships. The Head of the Resource Nexus AID Research Programme will also contribute to the supervision of post-graduate students, including the Doctoral Researchers in the Resource Nexus for Sustainability Transformations (NEXtra) programme.

The selected candidate will also have the opportunity of being co-opted as an Honorary Professor at the Technische Universitaet Dresden (TU Dresden), for up to five years in their field of study, provided that the formal requirements for such status as determined by the relevant faculty at TU Dresden are fulfilled.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of UNU-FLORES, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Establish, develop, and lead the Resource Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID) programme and associated projects

• Manage and further develop the Resource Nexus AID Research Programme and other high-value projects and programmes related to the UN SDGs, integrated resources management; and the Resource Nexus in collaboration with the Academic team of UNU-FLORES;
• Manage activities related to budget funding and fundraising (project development and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and preparation of related documents and reports for the Research Programme;
• Design, implement and manage research projects to advance the Resource Nexus approach and the Resource Nexus AID Research Programme;
• Identify and contribute to emerging issues in the Resource Nexus AID area that are of interest to the United Nations, member states, and policymakers, and subsequently articulate policies, strategies, and approaches to address them; and
• Line manage staff within the research development department, setting and monitoring team objectives, including identifying training and/or development requirements and performance management issues as appropriate.

2. Institutional Development

• Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Institute’s strategic and implementation plans;
• Scrutinise and critique research, proposals, and grant applications;
• Advise the Director of UNU-FLORES and the management team in Institute-wide strategic programming;
• Oversee the implementation of the Data Management Plan (DMP) at the Institute, including new and existing data, tools and methods used and developed by the UNU-FLORES; and
• Actively contribute to an inclusive and diverse international work environment.

3. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and policy briefs and actively represent the Institute by presenting papers when appropriate;
• Lead and collaborate with the Advocacy and Political Affairs Officer to establish contacts with the national, and international scientific community, and open new opportunities for the Institute;
• Support collaboration and partnership with TU Dresden, including PRISMA, the Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy at TU Dresden;
• Disseminate complex information in a manner that ensures the understanding of colleagues, using workshops, teaching moments, and individual coaching; and
• Author, co-author, and contribute to the UN- and UNU-wide networks and reports relevant to the Resource Nexus.

4. Educational Development

• Contribute to teaching modules for joint postgraduate programmes of the Institute with TU Dresden and supervise researchers, Doctoral Researchers, Master thesis students, and interns in the covered areas;
• Support the advancement of the Institute’s educational programmes, including the recruitment of Doctoral Researchers; and
• Contribute to the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development.

5. Capacity Development

• Conduct policy analysis and advise on any legal or governance issues relevant to Resource Nexus AID, sustainable development, and integrated resource management;
• Create innovative and dynamic capacity development activities to advance the UNU-FLORES capacity development endeavours;
• Manage the design and implementation for results-focused capacity development activities to advance the research programme and associated projects such as organising workshops, meetings, symposiums, and field activities; and
• Engage in international policy processes and agendas of relevance based on the research programme.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Development and implementation of a high-quality research programme for UNU-FLORES, including the delivery of research outputs, capacity development;
• A high level of academic excellence as seen by the publication of research outputs, including an increase in sustainable third-party funding from diversified resources;
• High-quality development of the Resource Nexus AID Research Programme and extension of its scope by adding new modules, establishing new working groups, and recruiting international collaborators
• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;
• Direct reports achieve their goals and KPIs supporting the programme to produce high-quality research.

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 in a field related to integrated management of environmental resources, complex systems analysis, remote sensing, geospatial analytics, earth system science, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), operations research, or sustainable development
• At least five (5) years of post-PhD progressively responsible work experience, including managing research programmes in academia, research, or related institutions, together with supervisory functions, is required; experience in an international setting would be highly advantageous;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the research agenda in integrated resource management, sustainable development, and AID;
• Recognition by the scientific community, as demonstrated by invitations to editorial boards of journals, Advisory Committees, and keynote speeches;
• Track record of research publications in areas related to data, analytics, informatics, remote sensing, AI, complex systems, coupled human-nature systems, resource nexus, sustainability, and integrated resource (e.g., water, energy, climate, soil, biodiversity, food, …) management;
• Experience in successfully obtaining research funding from a variety of national and/or international sources;
• Established skills in both project and team management;
• Highly self-motivated, innovative, and organised, yet detail-oriented, with a professional and conscientious attitude and the ability to independently prioritise;
• Willing to travel as required both locally and internationally;
• 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 is required; Fluency in German is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Expertise in specific environmental issues in developing or emerging countries;
• Experience in managing and analysing big data systems;
• Experience in remote sensing and geospatial systems analysis;
• Professional experience in teaching postgraduate programmes;
• Good familiarity with organising conferences, workshops, and summer schools, preferably at the intersection of research and policy.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package, including an annual net salary and a post adjustment, (at the FTA-IP-P3 Level) 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 of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan, and a health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grants for dependent children, assignment grants and rental subsidies. 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

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.