About United Nations University
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. 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 the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic and environmental dimensions. Through its postgraduate education programmes UNU-IAS developes future international leaders with interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions to problems of sustainability. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu
Water is at the core of sustainable development, linking livelihoods, health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all requires a transformation in the way we manage water resources. UNU-IAS is developing sustainable, decentralised approaches to overcome the water crisis, enhance resilience, and help build decarbonised, circular economies. Our research contributes to policy dialogue at the global level, including the UN World Water Development Report, as well as regional and local action and development planning. We promote integrated management of water resources at the community level, fostering collaboration between local researchers and practitioners to explore alternative water resources.
Responsibilities
The Research Fellow, Water & Resource Management position involves two main functions: Research Fellow for WRM Programme and Academic Coordinator for UNU-IAS postgraduate degree programme. Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct supervision of the Head of WRM Programme, the Research Fellow will be responsible for the following results: 1. Design and implement a research plan for the WRM Programme focusing on the following areas:
- Take a lead in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing the overall research plan of the Programme, strengthening its contribution to the UNU-IAS Strategic Plan and to relevant international debates and processes on sustainable development.
- Develop a robust methodology for collecting scientific evidence: Outline the approach for gathering data and conducting research to ensure the scientific rigor of the project. This may include data collection methods, and analysis frameworks for analyses on water quality, socio-economic factors, and demographic changes.
- Conduct case studies and field research: Implement case studies and field research to gather secondary and empirical data and insights on sustainable water management practices in different contexts within Asian cities with different climate conditions.
- Collaborate with regional and international partners: Establish partnerships with relevant organizations, research institutes, and stakeholders in Asia and beyond.
- Ensure the quality and quantity of the research outputs, such as the UNU-IAS policy brief, journal articles, and other UNU-IAS and UNU publications.
2. Assist in the development and implementation of WRM resource mobilization strategy focusing on the following areas:
- Lead the development of resource mobilization strategies for WRM-relevant research topics and manage the implementation of the strategies, plans, and efforts.
- Assist in coordinating and negotiating research agreements with donor agencies.
- Prepare reports to donor agencies in a timely manner.
3. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and networks focusing on the following areas:
- Assist in establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with governments, donor agencies, and international/UN partners for resource mobilization, project activities, joint publications, and outreach.
- Active participation in UNU Water Network in order to strengthen water-related research capacity and human resource exchange.
4. Integrate research results into education activities of UNU-IAS:
- Contribute to the UNU-IAS postgraduate degree programme, including through teaching courses, and assisting Academic Director in curriculum development, and participating in the student’s selection process.Serve as a Research Advisor for students enrolled in the field of WRM for the UNU-IAS postgraduate degree program.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the UNU-IAS Director and/or by direct supervisors.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely and quality development of 2 papers and/or policy briefs per year.
- Supervise up to 3 students of the UNU-IAS Postgraduate Degree Programmes.
- Timely and quality delivery of lectures on water and environmental issues.
- Quality and level of engagement with 3 partner universities and/or research institutions in a global context.
- 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:
Ph.D. in environmental engineering and science, sustainability science, or related field.
Experience:
- At least three years of professional research experience in higher education and/or academic institutions in the above-mentioned areas.
- Scholarly competence in water environment and resource management and in sustainable development, with a proven record of journal publications in these domains.
- Solid background in interdisciplinary research that cuts across environmental and socio-economic fields of expertise.
- Experience in climate change-related projects demonstrating a capability to use climate data and to utilize output data from climate change models.
- Experience in policy processes and science-policy engagement.
- Ability to apply GIS tools, including QGIS, for spatial data analysis projection including remote sensing data processing.
- Experience in successful resource mobilization for research.
- Experience in organizing multi-stakeholder meetings.
- Ability to propose international conferences and conventions to share research outcomes, playing a key role in their planning and organization.
- Experience in conducting fieldwork, especially in Asia working on environment-related issues is desirable.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is desirable.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a local PSA contract and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an monthly net salary of the range JPY614,417 – 678,917 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
JAPAN ONLY: PSA holders are required to enroll in Japan’s national social health care and pension insurance systems.
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 on 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
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Apply via the apply link;
- fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline:
28 August 2023 (UTC)
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
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
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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