The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission 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 the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of UNU-EHS, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Manage the EMIC division:
Lead and manage the EMIC division, with respect to its scientific profile, human resources and budget;
Develop a long-term strategy for the division, particularly with a focus on the diverse nature of the interlinkages between climate, environment and different types of human mobility as well as its linkages to disaster risk reduction, adaptation, and transformation – embedded into the overall strategy of UNU and UNU-EHS;
Ensure the academic excellence and policy relevance of the division´s work;
Plan and allocate work assignments, mentor and appraise personnel, lead the recruitment and selection of new personnel;
Manage the financial resources of the division with integrity and ensure accountability to UNU-EHS governance structures and donors;
Manage the day-to-day operations of the EMIC division including the implementation of administrative policies.
2. Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination on human mobility:
Lead and conduct research on the interlinkages between environment/climate change and various types of human mobility incl. migration, displacement, planned relocation and immobility, with a focus on the Global South context;
Advance the research agenda on human mobility based on, for example, foresight methodologies, mixed-methods and innovation;
Link research on human mobility with the main topics of the institute´s other divisions in the broad area of risk reduction, adaptation and transformation;
Lead effective utilization of scientific knowledge in addressing prevailing and emergent issues relevant to the EMIC research agenda on different aspects of environment and human mobility;
Publish research results together with other researchers at UNU-EHS, with partners and beyond in international peer-reviewed journals and policy-relevant publications;
Ensure a global visibility of the division’s work; present EMIC´s research in a variety of communication formats which are tailored towards a broader audience, including non-academic.
3. Lead resource mobilization for the EMIC division:
Lead the development of resource mobilization strategies with national and international donors for policy-relevant topics in line with Division´s and Institute’s Mission and Vision;
Manage the implementation of resource mobilization strategies, plans, and efforts;
Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on implementation and resource mobilization;
Ensure the provision of high-quality donor reports and contribute to negotiating agreements with donors.
4. Conduct education and training in the thematic field of EMIC:
Contribute to the Master’s programme “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security” jointly implemented with the University of Bonn by developing and implementing teaching module(s) related to human mobility;
Supervise MSc and PhD students;
Lead or contribute to other capacity development efforts related to the research of the EMIC division.
5. Create policy impact, represent UNU and create and maintain strategic partnerships and networks:
Engage, based on excellent research, in regional and international policy processes and agendas of relevance;
Target key policy processes based on the scientific findings of the division;
Promote, strengthen and further develop existing cooperation with relevant networks (UNU Migration Network, ECMN etc.) UN agencies (IOM, UNFCCC, UNDRR, FAO etc.), the University of Bonn, and other external partners;
Represent UNU-EHS on international scientific networks/boards and at high-level conferences and events.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Serve as a Certifying Officer for UNU-EHS and as Officer-in-Charge for Director and Deputy Director, when assigned;
Contribute to the management team´s meetings, retreat and taskforces, as required;
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Timely and quality development and implementation, as well as update, of a strategy for EMIC and annual work plan;
Timely and quality delivery on operational goals, including performance of personnel; production of quality knowledge, research and policy outputs;
Timely development and implementation of resource mobilization efforts, especially third-party funding for the EMIC division, resulting in sufficient resources to implement the division’s strategy and secure sustainable funding;
UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;
Timely and quality delivery on education and training activities.
Values:
Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
1) Education and certification
Advanced university degree (Ph.D.) in Human Geography, Migration, Climate Change Adaptation or a related social science discipline
2) Required skills and experience
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in research and academia, some of which preferably in an international setting is required;
Proven experience in research on EMIC-specific topics is required;
Strong track record in the leadership and management of international research projects, networks, or teams is required;
Familiarity with the UN and/or other international institutions and mechanisms is required;
Excellent track record in securing third-party funding and managing multinational third-party funded projects is required;
Strong publication profile in the research areas related to the EMIC division is required;
Proven experience in combining qualitative and quantitative research tools is required;
Experience in (co-)supervising PhD and MSc students is required;
Experience in postgraduate programmes teaching at international higher education institutions is required;
Experience with feeding research results into global agendas and UN frameworks is an asset;
Experience with the German research funding system, project administration and reporting is an asset;
Experience in publishing research results in different media outlets is an asset;
Other desirable skills: excellent communication and didactic skills; initiative, strong conceptual abilities; sound judgment; resilience; excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; excellent leadership and team spirit.
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
1 September 2025
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
provide PDF documents of your three most relevant publications for the position;
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
apply via the apply link.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
20 January 2025
Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.
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 organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
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.
If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
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