Sustainability and Outreach Associate

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 of the Director of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Associate Sustainability Officer, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Governance and Administration

• Support the implementation of the UN Sustainability Strategy at UNU-FLORES
• Support the collaboration among UNU institutes to streamline the implementation of the strategy UNU;
• Develop workflows and guidance material in line with the strategy;
• Support with the development of concepts for fundraising activities; and
• Actively contribute to ideas for Institutional development.

2. Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact

• Support with capacity development and outreach activities to relevant stakeholders;
• Organise SDG events with our partners, including the UN-Day and contributing to major UNU-FLORES events such as the Dresden Nexus Conference;
• Write articles and social media posts to promote Sustainability, the SDGs and the Nexus Approach; Conduct quality control on communications and documents related to sustainability; and
• Support with organising activities such as workshops related to Sustainability.

3. Research, Innovation, & Development

• Conduct research related to Sustainability Management
• Support the Institute’s research projects related to advancing the resource nexus and sustainability, including support for data analysis, and data collection;
• Manage day-to-day research activities from planning to implementation, including applying for funding;
• Perform literature reviews and assist in the evaluation and examination of research; and
• Design and analysis of questionnaires and case studies.

4. Education & Capacity Building

• Provide timely updates and responses to partner organisations, coordinate and contribute to meetings with key stakeholders on Sustainability matters;
• Be an active member of the working groups of TU Dresden’s Kommission Umwelt and other working groups in the DRESDEN-concept network
• Draft project deliverables and reports, and contribute to dissemination;
• Contribute to publications and publish in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and policy briefs; Mentor, supervise, and/or provide junior team members and interns as well as provide guidance to PhD and Master’s students; and
• · Contribute to the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development**.**

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
• Successful development and implementation of the UN sustainability strategy
• Successful organisation of sustainability-focused events with local partners
• Advancement of UNU(-FLORES)’ sustainability performance
• Quality and proactive level of engagement with UNU-FLORES partners (research partners, government, donors) and
• 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 or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Sciences, Communication or other relevant field with at least two (2) years of post-graduate relevant project delivery experience working in the field of sustainability or
  A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Sciences, communication other relevant field with at least four (4) years of relevant experience;
• Knowledge and experience in delivering sustainability-related projects and programmes;
• Demonstrated experience in project planning and management;
• Demonstrated interest in dealing with the linkages between sustainability and integrated resource management, as well as an understanding of policy development and national and international levels;
• Excellent communications, writing, and analytical skills with experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations with a high degree of attention to detail is required;
• Experience and extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• 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;
• 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;
• Fluency in English and German is required, and knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under l PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including a monthly net salary EUR 3,187, 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

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 not 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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