About United Nations University
The United Nations University (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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.
UNU-INWEH is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-INWEH’s vision is a world free of water, environmental and health problems where sustainable development and environmental health and human security are assured for all. Its mission is to help resolve pressing water, environmental, and health challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people. UNU-INWEH pursues its mission through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to grand water, environmental and health challenges; and global outreach.
Responsibilities:
Contingent upon the level of appointment, the incumbent is expected to:
1. Research and assist with development of the Geospatial, Climate and Infrastructure Analytics programme
Play a significant role in UNU-INWEH’s initiatives and projects on advanced geospatial analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to analyze and visualize climate and environmental data, with a focus on extreme events (e.g., flood, drought, wildfire, heatwaves, and sand and dust storms), environmental changes (e.g. deforestation, desertification, land subsidence, air quality, groundwater, etc.), and other environmental and climate risks affecting natural, infrastructure, and socio-economic systems.
2. Enhance contributions and collaborations for the Geospatial, Climate and Infrastructure Analytics and the Nexus Analytics, Informatics and Data (AID) programme
3. Design and deliver capacity and education development
Develop and deliver capacity and education initiatives, including e-learning modules and training programmes, to enhance the understanding and application of geospatial analytics, climate data visualization, and machine learning techniques among diverse stakeholders.4. Knowledge sharing and fundraising
Contribute to fundraising activities of the institute, including the development of cross-thematic and interdisciplinary proposals in collaboration with other programme leaders at UNU-INWEH as well as in partnership with other institutions and professionals. Contribute to the development of grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations, and related materials, as required.5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and UNU-INWEH’s Director.
Key Performance Indicators
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 ways.
1) Education and certification
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in geoinformatics, climate/environmental sciences, data/computer sciences or engineering, informatics, machine learning, AI, geography, civil/environmental engineering, natural resource economics, or other fields broadly relevant to climate change, environmental data analysis, and related applications.2) Required skills and experience
Required
One (1) year of work/research experience in one (preferably more) of these areas is desirable: Environmental informatics and data visualizationApplication of machine learning and AI to climate, environmental, and geospatial dataClimate modeling and geospatial data analysisDevelopment of decision-support tools for climate and environmental managementExtreme weather events, natural disasters and compound risk analysisArtificial Intelligence (AI) applications in water/environmental/climate/health/agriculture management Climate finance and/or financial risk analysis related to sustainability, climate, environment, health, water, food, energy, infrastructure, etc.Climate and environmental economics Alternatively, a minimum of three years of progressively related work experience in geospatial analytics, climate data analysis, or related fields is required for candidates with a master's degree.Ability to conduct numerical analysis of complex datasets, and synthesis of findings from a wide body of literature in systematic/scoping reviews and policy briefs is a must.Result-oriented, self-motivated, and “hands-on” with the ability to prioritize work and do multi-tasking. Excellent writing, research, presentation, and networking skills.Familiarity with policy-oriented research and prior experience in project management (administration and financial aspects) are highly desirable.Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in team-based research, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches.Ability to independently manage projects and interact with a large group of stakeholders.Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining online tools will be an asset.Demonstrated skills in developing training courses and administering online learning platforms will be an asset.Prior UN work experience or experience of interacting with intergovernmental/governmental/non-government agencies and donors is highly desirable.Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the subject areas relevant to the activities of UNU-INWEH is highly desirable.Prior record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact and interdisciplinary journals is required. Prior record of fundraising and securing grants for projects is desired.An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under 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 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.
Starting date
As soon as possible.
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;Upload a completed and signed the UNU P11 Form; kindly do not use similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations andYou may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
11 October 2024
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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