Project Associate: Risk Analytics

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.

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.

Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII): MCII was initiated as a charitable organisation by representatives of insurers, research institutes and NGOs in April 2005 in response to the growing realization that insurance solutions can play a role in adaptation to climate change, as suggested in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. This initiative is hosted at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). As a leading think tank on climate change and insurance, MCII is focused on developing solutions for the risks posed by climate change for the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries. www.climate-insurance.org

Risk Analytics: Risk analytics entails a portfolio of projects by MCII, relying on quantitative methods to better understand and inform on climate risk. The main goals for strategic impact are i) to establish analytics to support decisions in adaptation and risk management, ii) to define the “smart mix” of climate response options, including climate risk insurance and to iii) further operational concepts of improved climate risk management also through academic collaborations.

Responsibilities

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

1. Coordinate and effectively support MCII Risk Analytics efforts in proposal writing related to climate risk and analytics

• Ensure timely preparation of deliverables
• Participate and organize field mission
• Support the section with planning, budgeting, organization of events as required

2. Support project related activities

• Participate actively in writing publications and scientific papers
• Support the section in organising conferences and side events
• Participate and the timely preparation of input to meet the sections requirements

3. Develop and lead GIS analysis activities

• Coordinate the GIS analysis and mapping activities for proposal writing and ongoing projects.
• Integrate GIS with other quantitative tools used by the risk analytics team (such as ECA, CLIMADA, valuation of assets)

4. Establish a network of relevant stakeholders

• It includes stakeholders from the private sector such as MSMEs in Latin America, public sector, decision makers, HGOs, community based groups, research institutions as well as UN organisations
• Liaise with a network of external collaborators including individual consultants, senior and junior researchers as well as service providers, institutional partners, and other relevant stakeholders where necessary.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality delivery on proposal inputs
• Quality and level of engagement with project partners
• UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by 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

Master’s degree in Geography, Development Economics, Sustainability Studies, Risk Management, Insurance, or a related field;

Experience

Required:

• At least one (1) year of professional experience, in the context of risk analytics, climate change adaptation, climate insurance or similar, preferably in an international setting;
• Excellent command of Geographical Information Systems software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGis) is required;

Desired:

• Knowledge of quantitative analysis tools and languages (e.g. SPSS, STATA, R, Matlab, Python) is an asset;

• Previous working experience with the Economics of Climate Adaptation (ECA) and CLIMADA is an asset;

• Experience in working with local communities, MSMES, cooperative in developing countries is an asset;

• Experience with valuation of assets, ecosystems and adaptation measures in data scarce environments is an asset;

• Experience in nature based solutions for different types of perils in developing countries is an asset;

• A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organizational disaster risk reduction and -management and climate change adaptation is an asset;

• Other Desirable Skills: Initiative taker with the interest to professionally expand into new ways of applying quantitative risk analysis, excellent presentation and communication skills.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required
• Basic skills in German (in written and spoken form) is an asset.
• 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 part-time employment (50-75% possible) 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 start date: As soon as possible