Academic jobs in Germany

United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy‑relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy‑relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

UNU‑EHS is one of 13 research and training institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. Established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany, the institute conducts research focused 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, 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 at https://unu.edu/ehs.

MCII is hosted at UNU‑EHS and is a research‑to‑policy and practice innovation lab. It aims to support and ultimately influence policy‑making processes that enhance resilience and protect livelihoods of vulnerable communities, through pioneering risk management and risk transfer solutions (e.g. insurance mechanisms) in combination with other approaches to manage climate‑related risks. For detailed information, please visit https://ehs.unu.edu/about/departments/the-munich-climate-insurance-initiative-mcii#overview.

The Risk analytics team entails a portfolio of projects by MCII, relying on quantitative methods to better understand and inform on climate risk. The main goals for strategic impact are i) to establish analytics to support decisions in adaptation and risk management, ii) to define the “smart mix” of climate response options, including climate risk insurance, and iii) to further operational concepts of improved climate risk management also through academic collaborations.

• Research, knowledge management, and dissemination on CLIMADA modelling.
• Support research and knowledge management activities related to CLIMADA modelling with a focus on visualization, optimisation, and backend processes using PowerBi or similar tools.
• Support the team in developing and applying modelling approaches (e.g. Loss and Damage), including assisting with calibration, optimisation, and the use of AI and ML techniques under supervision.
• Assist in the calibration, validation, and application of modelling tools and methods to ongoing projects, ensuring accuracy, relevance and contextual alignment.
• Bridging modelling and project implementation.
• Contribute to aligning modelling activities with project management processes, ensuring consistency with project objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Support the integration of modelling results into project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Assist in knowledge exchange activities between modelling teams, project managers, and external partners, as directed by senior staff, to support the practical application of modelling outputs.
• Assist in the design and delivery of project activities that rely on calibrated and optimized models.
• Support the development of tools, workflows, and guidance materials to operationalise modelling results, providing input and assistance to senior team members, with emphasis on open‑source and reproducible methods.
• Support capacity‑building initiatives to strengthen the effective use and understanding of modelling tools within project teams.
• Support in fundraising and networking.
• Contribute to the development of new project ideas and proposals in climate risk analytics and related topics.
• Assist the Climate Risk Analytics team in drafting, reviewing and refining project proposals.
• Assist in maintaining and expanding stakeholder networks, including researchers, public institutions, NGOs, community‑based organisations, and UN partners.
• Contribute to the preparation and co‑authoring of scientific publications and research outputs.
• Provide support for UNU‑EHS participation at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences, such as preparing materials, taking notes, or assisting with logistics, as directed by senior staff.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

• Timely and quality development of inputs related to the climate analytics team effort.
• Provide timely and effective support for project implementation, capacity‑building, outreach and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Demonstrate a high level of engagement and collaboration with project implementation partners, including active participation in meetings, responsiveness to requests and constructive contributions.
• UNU‑EHS/MCII are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.

• 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.

• 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.

• Education and certification: Master’s degree in engineering, programming, geography or a related field with a background in climate adaptation and/or disaster management.
• Experience: Minimum one (1) year of progressively responsible experience or MSc degree or equivalent in related studies in research and academia in the area of climate change adaptation in the context of risk analytics, disaster management, climate finance or similar.
• Proven experience in fields related to climate risk analytics.
• Initiative seeker with an interest to professionally expand into new ways of applying and disseminating quantitative climate risk analysis and insurance.
• Experience with disaster risk financing, climate risk vulnerability and adaptation measures in data‑scarce environments.
• Previous experience working with CLIMADA/ECA.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong 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 command of geographical information system software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGis).
• A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organisational disaster risk reduction and‑management and climate change adaptation is an asset.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI is an asset.

Work experience in developing countries is an asset.

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

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 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.

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is a 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.

01 January 2026.

• 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.
• Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
• Apply via the apply link.

28 November 2025. Submissions must be received by 00:00 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.

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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