Research Associate (20hrs/week)-Germany

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 visithttp: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 Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services Section (EVES) explores environmental deterioration processes such as water and land degradation. Particularly, the section looks at remedial measures, resources availability and robustness of ecosystem services, all within the context of socio-ecological systems affected by environmental hazards.

KNOW-4-DRR Project

Within the FP7-funded, 2-year project “Knowledge for disaster risk reduction in integration to climate change adaption” (KNOW-4-DRR) 11 international partner institutions explore how knowledge on mitigation and adaptation is produced, shared, maintained, and used (or not used) by a variety of stakeholders (for example scientific community, private sector, public sector/ agencies, civil society). The project aims at identifying barriers to knowledge use and sharing as well as potential bridges among experts and professionals with different disciplinary backgrounds and different roles. The creation of tools to enhance societal capacity to learn from past successes and mistakes and update its knowledge on natural extremes and climate change potential consequences is part of the project’s effort through workshops, seminars, and living labs. The results of the project are foreseen to contribute to an improved use of knowledge and cooperation among the different actors in the field of disaster risk reduction and climate change.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the supervision of the Head of the Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

• Map different types of uncertainties affecting the various stages of decision making about Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR);
• Develop a keynote document on formal and lifelong educational activities in the field of DRR implementation practices in close cooperation with the Enhancing Graduate Educational Capacities for Human Security (EGECHS) section of UNU-EHS;
• Prepare and implement an interactive workshop between decision makers and public administrators who are actively involved in the implementation of DRR policies and strategies;
• Represent UNU-EHS at all relevant project-related meetings.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

Masters degree or equivalent, in Geography, Spatial Planning, Environmental Management or other relevant discipline;

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant working experience;
• Knowledge in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption in European and preferably also in non-European countries;
• Knowledge of different frameworks and concepts used in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption;
• Excellent organizational skills with experience in planning workshops, conferences, etc.;
• Strong ability to carry out work independently;
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Enthusiasm to distill relevant information out of (case study) reports;
• Good team player with ability to work in international and intercultural environment; experience in international organizations would be an advantage;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Takes initiatives and has flexible attitude to work, as appropriate.

Remuneration:

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of Contract:

This is a part-time (20hrs/week) employment on a six (6) months Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with possibility for renewal subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Starting date:

As soon as possible or 1 April 2014

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail to ([email protected]), 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 United Nations University website athttp://www.bonn.unu.edu/article/read/job-vacancies. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement 2014/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/02.