Country: Germany
Closing date: 31 May 2016
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.
The Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation Section - (EMSVA):
The EMSVA section of the UNU-EHS undertakes pioneering research on how society manages climate stressors such as floods, drought, storms, sea level rise, and climatic shifts. The section works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to identify and design innovative climate risk management solutions to build resilience. Specific themes of adaptation-related research include 1) human mobility, 2) livelihood resilience including loss and damage, and legal dimensions of global environmental change, and 3) climate risk insurance.
For more information, please visit http://ehs.unu.edu/about/sections/emsva#overview
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and guidance of the Head of the Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation (EMSVA) section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
• Manage ongoing projects in the EMSVA section;
• Develop methodologies fieldwork including participatory methods, subjective attitudes, household surveys and social vulnerability analysis;
• Assume responsibility for qualitative and quantitative data analysis and modelling (e.g. agent based models) approaches;
• Disseminate research publications internationally and locally in a variety of formats to be agreed with the Director;
• Produce policy relevant reports related to environmental migration;
• Act as a consultant for NGOs including undertaking literature reviews on migration;
• Identify and liaise with potential donors and collaborators;
• Apply for relevant external funding to support research undertaken;•
• Support the Section Head as necessary in the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties;
• Perform any other tasks as may be assigned by the Director.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
• A PhD in Geography or related field with a focus on environmentally related human mobility;
• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible relevant postgraduate work experience;
• Experience of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and developing conceptual frameworks;
• Expertise modeling, particularly in developing climate change induced migration forecasting models;
• Experience of undertaking fieldwork;
• Ability to present projects to a diverse range of audiences;
• Experience of writing reports and working in a think tank;
• Ability to manage projects including administrative duties;
• Ability to manage Research Assistants and Interns;
• Ability to secure funding and write project proposals;
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, with proficiency in both oral and written English. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset.
Remuneration:
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duration of Contract:
This is a full-time employment on 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 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 (preferably 01 July 2016)
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 curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from the UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2016/UNU/EHS/PSA/SR/44).
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8)