UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, 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 the past four decades, 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' full breadth, 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.
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 Environment and Migration: Interactions and Choices (EMIC) Division undertakes pioneering research to strengthen the evidence base on the multiple linkages between human mobility and environmental change. EMIC research informs policy and action of UN organizations, governments and civil society including on the circumstances under which migration can be adaptive or when it should be considered as a form of loss and damage. For more information please visit
https://unu.edu/ehs/our-work/risk-adaptation/climate-migration
Under the authority of the Vice-Rector/Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Head of the EMIC section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
1. Conduct quantitative and qualitative policy-relevant research in the fields of Human (Im)Mobility and Environment/Climate with a focus on health/well-being
Work with the Section Head and team members to develop research questions, approaches, methodologies and regional foci to address voluntary migration, displacement, planned relocation and immobility, adaptation and loss and damage.Work with the other Sections within UNU-EHS and where appropriate other UNU partners to exploit synergies in EMIC section’s work.Develop innovative people-centered research tools to better understand the interactions between environment and human (im)mobility and the choices people make under environmental risk.Develop projects and research on health and well-being outcomes of human (im)mobility.2. Support capacity building
Contribute to teaching on the Joint Masters on Environmental Risk with the University of Bonn.Contribute to Joint Master thesis supervision.Work with partners in developing countries in a bilateral manner to build and share knowledge and expertise.3. Managing and supporting project
Manage research projects and short-term consultancies on the themes of migration and environment.Support as Migration Expert on the project “Climate Change and Internal Migration in Madagascar”Use Pelikan and other project management software to accurately report on the progress of projects internally and externally.4. Support communication, media and outreach activities
Publish in high impact peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters in edited volumes and policy reports and briefs alone, with the Section and project consortium members.Attend and present at academic and policy conferences, workshop and meetings to include UNFCCC processes and the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD).Engage with the Communications team and, through them, with the media to better explain the links between migration, the environment, and health/well-being and to promote the research of the Section.5. Secure Funding for the Section
Build relationships with potential partners to create consortia to seek funding.Contribute to proposal development for research projects (individual and in consortia).Take on consultancies and commissioned reports, if and when the work is of strategic use to the Section.6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Competencies
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 UNAnalyse 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 actionDeliver 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 servesLearn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of othersAdapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways1) Education and certification
Completed Master’s degree in Geography, Climate Change, Migration, Disasters or another relevant field.
2) Required skills and experience
A minimum of one (1) year researching on the nexus of climate, human (im)mobility, and health/well-being.A minimum of one (1) year of teaching experience at university level.Experience of working in environmental migration in an international organization setting.Proven experience of using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods.Experience in fieldwork on the topic of human (im)mobility, environment and health/well-being.Strong track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Experience in managing research projects.Experience of working independently in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is requiredKnowledge of German and/or French will be an advantage.Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave for full time bases and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 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.
Starting date
1 February 2025
How to Apply
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);You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.apply via the apply link.
Application Deadline
19 November 2025
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.
Special Notice
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.
Information about UNU rosters
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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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