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) 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.
Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII): MCII was initiated as a non-profit organisation 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 the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries. www.climate-insurance.org
From 2011 to 2014, MCII led and coordinated the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) project to help target countries in the Caribbean address some of the challenges to sustainable development posed by a changing climate. Phase I developed and implemented two index-based insurance products to help vulnerable people in the low income segment of the population to better recover from impacts of extreme weather events on their livelihoods. From 2017 to 2019, MCII is leading and coordinating phase II of the project, with the aim to solidify the efforts of the first phase and to scale up into two additional countries to further develop, refine and enhance climate risk insurance products across the Caribbean region. The target countries are Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Belize and Trinidad & Tobago.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the Director of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the guidance of the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) Head of Unit/Executive Director, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Project management and implementation experience required; the candidate is a proficient user of relevant project management software;
Experience working in the Caribbean region, preferably Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago; Fieldwork experience in different developing country contexts is an asset;
Deep technical understanding of insurance products and operations. Understanding of key innovations in the sector. Knowledge about index-insurance approaches.
A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organisational disaster risk reduction and -management and climate change adaptation;
Ability to negotiate with partners and funding institutions;
Existing professional networks consisting of contacts to academic partners, private insurers, government officials (e.g. insurance regulators, disaster risk management authorities and related), relevant development actors and/or UN organisations would be preferred;
Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills with a fluency in spoken and written English. Additional languages such as Caribbean Creoles, Patois, and Spanish would be an asset;
Track-record of public presentation and interaction with stakeholders;
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;
Critical thinker with a strong interest to provide social innovation in the frame of MCII’s mission.
This position may entail a high degree of travel.
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 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 he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Starting Date: May/June 2020
This vacancy is archived.