United Nations University Objectives:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and 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 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.
Transformative Urban Coalitions Programme:
Limiting climate change requires rapid and radical transformation of development pathways, especially in cities, which are responsible for 70% of global CO2 emissions. Together with international consortium partner the Transformative Urban Coalition Programme will develop, test, and disseminate a scalable approach for achieving key shifts in urban development to put cities on a path to zero-carbon emissions by 2050. Over the course of the coming years the programme will test an approach to transformative governance by means of transformative research in five pilot cities in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, combined with implementation of transformative initiatives including the development of new actor constellations. Governance blueprints and lessons from pilot cities will be disseminated through the global networks of UNU and programme partners and new transformation partnerships initiated to make sustainable urbanisation a feasible global priority. One goal is to shape public debate both locally and globally, by means of media engagement, educational activities and interaction with art and film.
The programme will be newly established within UNU-EHS and is foreseen to be financed for six years.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the programme lead the successful candidate shall be responsible for the following tasks:
• Contribute to the coordination and implementation of the Transformative Urban Coalitions Programme and its activities with programme partners, with respect to its scientific and policy profile;
• Take a leading role in developing transformative frameworks for urban decarbonization; including its application in five pilot cities; thereby advancing transformative urban change theory and adapt it to the specific local circumstances;
• Together with the programme partners, develop scalable approaches for mapping and implementing key shifts for sustainable urban transformations to move from localised low-carbon achievements to systemic change towards zero-carbon cities;
• Serve as interface between transformative research and novel ways of dissemination and capacity development, including by means of arts and film as well as transformative education;
• Publish research results, together with other researchers at UNU-EHS, with programme partner and beyond, in international peer-reviewed journals and book chapters as well as in policy publications;
• Feed the scientific findings of the programme into key policy process, including at high-level conferences and events;
• Support the day-to-day programme management, including the supervision of junior staff, reporting and donor interaction.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements:
• MSc in a relevant academic discipline, including, for instance, urban planning, geography, political science, or sociology;
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience, some of which preferably in an international setting; experience in Latin America is desirable;
• Proven familiarity with transformative research concept and urban labs approach, preferably on topics related to climate adaptation and mitigation, urban governance and transformation;
• Track record in the management of international transdisciplinary projects and teams;
• Familiarity with German donor proposal writing and reporting is a strong asset;
• Familiarity with UN and/or other international institutions and mechanisms;
• Strong publication profile in the areas related to the Transformative Urban Coalitions programme;
• Experience in publishing programme results in different media outlets; experience in translating results to policy documents and web-based learning highly desirable;
• Experience in organizing international seminars, workshops, and conferences;
• Excellent communication and writing skills (academic and non-academic) with fluency in spoken and written English; ability to communicate in Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and to translate into impactful communications and publications/reports/presentations;
• Initiative seeker; strong ability to carry out work independently; curious personality preferred.;
• Reflected team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
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.
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.
Remuneration:
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duration of Contract:
The successful candidate shall work under a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) for a fixed period of twelve (12) months. Further continuation of contract is desired, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Starting date: As soon as possible**
How to apply:
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail to (hrbonn@vie.unu.edu), and must include the following:
· a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
· a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations
· Full contact information of three referees; and the application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2020/UNU/EHS/PSA/SPM/60)