Senior Research Assistant: Resource Nexus for Sustainability Transformations

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 Institute (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 of the Director of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Head of Nexus Research Programme: Resource Nexus for Sustainability Transformations, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Technical Support: Perform research and technical activities to support the Programme

• Assist with UNU-FLORES’ research activities through researching, extracting, and compiling of information and data related to the Resource Nexus and sustainability transformations;
• Perform literature reviews and assist in the evaluation and examination of research;
• Prepare abstracts/bibliographic descriptions for inclusion in publications;
• Assist with proofreading of written materials for accuracy before publication; and
• Support with the design and analysis of questionnaires and case studies;

2. Knowledge Management: Provide support for knowledge documentation, building and dissemination

• Prepare a variety of reports and presentations, infographics, tables, and diagrams for Senior Researchers;
• Support with the development of knowledge projects;
• Synthesize and document lessons learned and best practices;
• Assist with preparing outputs to be shared on the UNU-FLORES website and other relevant platforms.

3. Programme Support: Provide administrative and logistics support for the Programme

• Sort, consolidate, and process data and enter it into relevant databases;
• Assist in the maintenance of relevant research tools and platforms; and
• Handle communication with external stakeholders;

4. Capacity and Educational Development

• Assist with the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development; and
• Support with organising activities such as workshops related to the Research Programme;

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or the Director

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the assigned performance goals
• Quality and proactive level of engagement with UNU-FLORES partners (research partners, government, donors)
• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among 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

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences (including geo-, bio- and other sustainability sciences), Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Economics, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Sociology, Environmental Psychology, Sustainable Development, or a related field with at least one (1) year of environment-related research experience with the Resource Nexus would be advantageous; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least three (3) years of environment-related research experience;
• Knowledge and first-hand work experience related to at least one of the following: (1) integrated resources management, (2) Global Change and its regional/local manifestations (e.g. climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity losses), (3) environmental challenges of the Global South and adapted solution strategies, or (4) development cooperation in an environmental context;
• Experience with the scientific analysis of regional transformation related to either the environment, or society, or both (e.g. climate change, land cover change, socio-economic or political change, urbanisation/demographic shrinkage); experience with the coal transition or the energy transition, in general, would be highly advantageous;
• Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required; experience of publications and social media outreach is desirable;
• Experience and extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office is required;
• Knowledge and experience of statistics, geodata management and visualisation (e.g. GIS) would be advantageous;
• 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;
• Must be 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;
• Previous experience with environmental issues of the global south, regional experience and familiarity with the world’s complexities is beneficial;
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, outreach, and event organisation is an asset;
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising would be desirable; and
• Fluency in English is required, and fluency in German is desired; 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 1,423.50. Benefits include 15 days of 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

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.

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