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.
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 concern 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, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following duties: 1. Develop a research community related to the Sustainability Nexus
- Identify research experts, establish collaborations, and develop partnerships among organizations at the science-policy interface (UN organisations and member states), to foster a science Sustainability Nexus community;
- Handle outreach, advocacy, and impact activities to the Sustainability Nexus community, e.g., through social media activities, press releases, news/comments/opinion letters to targeted community members;
- Support the development of the Sustainability Nexus Forum community – an international journal for scientific discussions, knowledge exchange, collaborative efforts, and interdisciplinary approaches to address sustainability challenges; and
- Support the development of the Sustainable Finance Resource Nexus community through appropriate interactive means.
2. Organise community-building interaction events
- Maintain the Sustainability Nexus community by organizing events and activities to create a community network of experts, practitioners, and policymakers, facilitating knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and showcasing innovative sustainability practices; and
- Organise the biannual Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC) and biannual DNCi, including the development of substantive input to the events such as a theme and programme, the identification of speakers, moderators, panellists, session conveners, coordinating venue management and logistical planning and budgets as well as organising meaningful outputs of the events, such as policy briefs, statements, publications etc.
3. Engage in community building and promotion for Sustainable Nexus AID Programme
- Contribute to the successful implementation of the Sustainability Nexus AID (Analytics, Informatics, and Data) Programme through its promotion within the Sustainability Nexus community, identifying stakeholders, and facilitating collaborations among the AID network; and
- Design and implement activities that enhance the engagement of the UN organisations and potential user groups with the AID Programme.
4. Develop a community for a Knowledge Academy for the Resource Nexus
- Identify education experts, establish collaborations, and develop partnerships among organizations at the science-policy interface (UN organisations and member states), to foster an education and capacity development Sustainability Nexus community;
- Maintain this community by organizing teaching activities (courses, workshops, trainings, etc.) to create a community network of experts, practitioners, and policymakers, facilitating knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and showcasing innovative sustainability practices.
- Handle outreach, advocacy, and impact activities to the Sustainability Nexus community, e.g., through social media activities, press releases, news/comments/opinion letters.
- Examples:
- Support the development of a Sustainability Nexus education community within the Institute’s collaboration for Master’s courses with CIPSEM;
- Support the development of a Sustainability Nexus education community within the Institute’s involvement in the ABCD Centre;
- Support the development of a Sustainability Nexus education community for the development of local trainings on the SDG.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Director.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely identification of potential partners
- Timely and quality development and implementation of a strategy to engage with the different communities
- Timely and quality follow-up on existing partnerships
- Timely and quality implementation and monitoring/evaluation of events
- Information is easily available, and databases are up to date
- 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, Sustainability Sciences, or another relevant field with at least four (4) years of post-Master’s, relevant, and progressively responsible experience in working in the field of environmental resource management and sustainability; more than five (5) years of experience would be highly advantageous.
- Experience and 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;
- Experience in developing communities related to environmental sciences, sustainable development, and/or resource nexus;
- Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills with experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations with a high degree of attention to detail is required;
- Experience in advocacy related explicitly to scientific content, protocol, and high-level communications with governments, the scientific community would be highly advantageous;
- Experience with stakeholder engagement, outreach, and event organisation is an asset;
- Familiarity and experience within the UN(U) system would be highly advantageous;
- Must be proficient in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) and digital platforms (social media, event management tools);
- 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; and
- 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.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including a monthly net salary of 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.
Starting 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 do not use 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: 12 October 2023
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.
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