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 https://unu.edu.
United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (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 https://ehs.unu.edu/.
Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII): MCII was initiated as a charitable organization by representatives of insurers, research institutes and NGOs in April 2005 in response to the growing realization that insurance solutions can play a role in adaptation to climate change, as suggested in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. This initiative is hosted at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). As a leading think tank on climate change and insurance, MCII is focused on developing solutions for the risks posed by climate change for vulnerable people in developing countries. http://www.climate-insurance.org/.
The Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP) aims to improve the financial preparedness and resilience of Pacific Islanders to climate change and natural hazards through the development and implementation of market-based meso- and microinsurance and risk financing schemes. This multi-year programme begins in Fiji and Vanuatu, after which the programme will roll out to Tonga, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. PICAP will be working with the Pacific Digital Economy Programme to create digital payment solutions to reach Pacific Islanders in rural and remote areas. The Programme will also work together with governments and relevant stakeholders to develop customized Climate and Disaster Risk Financing strategies as well as macro-to-micro schemes to support the most vulnerable segments of the population. PICAP launched on 2 December 2020 and is jointly implemented by UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UN Development Programme (UNDP), and UNU-EHS through MCII.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the guidance of the MCII Executive Director, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
· Cooperate with regional insurers, banks, credit unions, and cooperatives to develop disaster risk financing instruments for the meso and micro-level, including but not limited to parametric insurance products, savings products, bundled insurance products, hybrid insurance products and credit instruments.
· Develop options with regard to the technical aspects of new insurance products in support of local vulnerable populations against extreme weather risks and naturally induced disasters.
· Provide technical guidance on insurance, reinsurance and financial instruments to the project team and partners.
· Assist in the quality control of papers, reports and other deliverables associated with the project, and support the coordination and supervision of deliverables by partners and sub-contractors.
· Ensure the timely preparation and submission of inputs to meet reporting requirements.
· Prepare and participate in field missions, including workshops in target countries as necessary.
· Represent the organization at regional climate and disaster risk and financing events, expert meetings and conferences.
· Support the development of project proposals and contribute to funding acquisition with the aim to further activities in the projects’ current target regions and/or to drive innovation and upscaling at the global level.
· Contribute to other MCII projects (particularly projects by the MCII Implementation team) as opportunities arise.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
· Master’s degree in actuarial science, economics, finance, business administration or similar;
· Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills with a fluency in spoken and written English. Additional languages, especially Pacific islands languages, are an asset;
· Strong team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
· Proven professional experience working ideally in the context of insurance, reinsurance, microfinance, banking, social insurance or social security;
· Ability to travel and go on mission.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
· 4-years working experience in project implementation;
· 2-years working experience in the private (re)insurance sector is highly desired, particularly exposure to non-life insurance business and/or product development is preferred;
· Understanding of NAT-CAT insurance solutions, specifically technical and operational expertise in parametric insurance approaches, micro-insurance and/or experience with the application of insurance solutions for target groups in developing countries would be an asset;
· Understanding of research and development for climate risk insurance solutions;
· Work experience in developing countries, specifically in small island states, would be an asset;
· Fieldwork experience in different developing country contexts;
· Knowledge of the Pacific Islands context is preferred;
· Existing professional networks consisting of contacts to academic partners, private insurers, government officials (e.g. insurance supervisors, disaster risk management authorities and related), relevant development actors and/or UN organizations would be preferred;
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.
Working Hours: 40h/week
Remuneration:
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duration of Contract:
This is a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with the possibility of renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) 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). The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is the candidate a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Under the given circumstances regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, possible work arrangements (Bonn, or remotely) will be discussed with shortlisted candidates during the interview process. Arrangements would be temporary in nature, and contractually the duty station would remain Bonn, Germany.
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 upload 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;
· An up-to-date CV; please ensure your CV does NOT contain a photo
· An indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement 2021/UNU/EHS/PSA/IA/PICAP/48
Please note that any application missing any of these documents will be dismissed.