United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EH offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.
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 Climate Risk Analytics team manages a portfolio of MCII projects that use quantitative methods to improve understanding of climate risk and inform decision making. 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 Chief Climate Risk Strategist and Head of the MCII Division, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Research, Analysis and Biofincas Project Deliverables
Conduct desk research, literature reviews, mapping exercises and data collection on topics relevant to Biofincas project activities and outputs;
Compile, review and analyse relevant qualitative and quantitative information, and contribute analytical or technical inputs under guidance;
Contribute to the drafting, editing and preparation of reports, research outputs and other project deliverables.
Prepare graphics, maps, and other visual materials;
Support the adaptation of serious games for capacity-building activities.
2. Project Implementation, Coordination and Progress Tracking
Support the tracking and follow-up of assigned Biofincas activities under project components, consortium platforms and in line with agreed workplans, timelines and project requirements;
Participate in meetings with project partners and consortium members and document outstanding actions, key decisions and follow-up requirements;
3. Workshops, Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement activities for Biofincas
Support the administrative and logistical preparation and coordination of workshops, meetings, capacity-building activities and stakeholder events;
Support the preparation of background materials, agendas, presentations, summaries for stakeholder engagement activities and any other materials required for meetings and events;
Maintain stakeholder contact lists, meeting records, and related project documentation;
Support routine communication with project partners, technical experts, government counterparts, research institutions and other stakeholders.
4. Project acquisition and Proposal Development Activities
Identify and screen relevant funding opportunities and call for proposals aligned with the established areas of work;
Assist in the preparation and drafting of selected sections of project proposals and other funding-related materials;
Support communication and follow-up with donors and relevant counterparts regarding requirements, processes and application procedures.
5. Cross-cutting Thematic Support
Contribute to activities related to cross-cutting themes including gender, agriculture, and climate across Biofincas project components;
Support the integration of relevant themes into research outputs, analysis, and project activities and deliverables;
Contribute to activities aligned with the gender strategy of the section and the institute.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s)
Key Performance Indicators
Timely and high-quality development of inputs related to the climate analytics team effort.
High quality and level of engagement with project implementation partners.
Effective tracking and follow-up of projects activities, decisions and agreed action points.
Quality and relevance of contributions of inputs from project partners and other stakeholder.
Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and a high level of trust in UNU-EHS/MCII 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.
1) Education and certification
MSc degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, natural resource management, environmental engineering, geography, ecology, or a related field.
2) Required qualifications and experience
Solid understanding of disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation, and related issues
Strong ability to conduct desk research, literature reviews, data collection and qualitative and quantitative analysis and to synthesize information technical reports and project deliverables.
Proven experience supporting workshops, meetings, capacity-building activities and stakeholder engagement, including logistical and administrative tasks.
Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
3) Desired qualifications and experience
At least one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in supporting project coordination, preferably in an international setting.
Experience with programming, GIS tools for spatial analysis, data visualization and CLIMADA/ECA is an asset.
Experience contributing to technical reports, research outputs, project proposals, or donor reporting is an asset.
Work experience in developing countries is an asset.
4) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
Knowledge of German is an asset;
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
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. 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.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
apply via the apply link.
Application Deadline: 08 October 2026.
Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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 are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
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.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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