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 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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
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.
The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) is hosted at UNU-EHS and is a research-to-policy and practice innovation lab. MCII aims to support and ultimately influence policy making processes that enhance resilience and protect livelihoods of vulnerable communities, through pioneering risk management and risk transfer solutions (e.g. insurance mechanisms) in combination with other approaches to manage climate related risks. For detailed information, please visit: https://ehs.unu.edu/about/departments/the-munich-climate-insurance-initiative-mcii#overview.
Climate Risk Analytics: The Risk analytics teams 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, the guidance of the Head of MCII Division, and the supervision of the risk analytics lead and the modelling lead, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks: 1. ERA-GIZ macro-economic modelling
- Coordinate (with the modelling lead) the modelling effort for the integration of a macro-economic model within the open source platform CLIMADA (with Matlab/python);
- Ensure the timely preparation and submission of inputs to meet the project’s requirements;
- Ensure data quality and organize data collection as well as storage as required for the different studies
- Bridge knowledge with other team members and partners and facilitate exchange between qualitative and quantitative project requirements;
- Co-supervise the work of consultants for the GUI, write ToRs and support recruitment efforts;
- Prepare specific project-related activities as required under the supervision of the project lead;
- Prepare and participate in field missions, including workshops in target countries.
2. Knowledge management & learning
- Support the collation and dissemination of research results, lessons, and other publication material for different audiences.
- Assist with and contribute to the creation of knowledge and learning products based on lessons learned from research and different MCII implementation projects.
- Conduct literature reviews and reference searches on the use of climate risk insurance for low-income populations as well as on the use of market-based instruments to address climate risks and human rights implications through relevant reports, journals, and grey literature to support the development of discussion papers.
- Provide support to the creation of methodological flow charts, infographics, data visualizations, and other illustrations for the MCII project of concern.
3. CLIMADA/ECA country calibration
- Actively support the climate risk analytics team in calibrating the ECA framework for loss and damage in various countries;
- Ensure the timely preparation and submission of inputs to meet the project’s requirements;
- Prepare specific project-related activities as required under the supervision of the project lead;
- Prepare and participate in field missions, including workshops in target countries.
4. Fundraising and networking
- Coordinate with and effectively support the climate risk analytics team efforts in proposal writing related to climate risk and analytics;
- Establish a network of relevant stakeholders, including private sector actors, public sector decision-makers, NGOs, community-based groups, research institutions as well as UN organisations.
5. Publications
- Participate actively in writing and (co-)authoring of publications and scientific papers;
6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely and quality coordination of inputs for the ERA-GIZ project.
- Timely and quality development of inputs related to the modeling effort for loss and damage.
- High quality and level of engagement with project implementation partners.
- UNU-EHS/MCII are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partners 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
- Analyze 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 Economics, development economics/macro economics, environmental engineering, geography with a background in insurance and/or climate adaptation and/or risk modelling;
Experience
Required
- three (3) years of proven professional experience in economics modelling, in the context of risk analytics, climate change adaptation, climate insurance or similar;
- Strong modelling skills with excellent command of Matlab and/or Python;
- Good command of GIS tools or remote sensing and statistical methods;
- Ability to explain complex process (modelling, data requirement, scenarios etc…) to non-experts audiences;
- Initiative seeker with an interest to professionally expand into new ways of applying and disseminating quantitative climate risk analysis and insurance;
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Desired
- Track record of scientific publications in academic journals;
- A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organizational disaster risk reduction and -management and climate change adaptation;
- Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI is an asset;
- Experience in project management in coordinating with a broad range of actors is an asset
- Experience in proposal writing and design of methodological frameworks in the context of development cooperation and in coordinating with a broad range of actors is an asset;
- Work experience in developing countries is an asset.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English both oral and written, is required;
- 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 full-time employment 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
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- 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);
- provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
- apply via the apply link.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline: 30 May 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
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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