Associate Academic Officer - Applied research on risks in mountains, spatial data & modelling (P2)

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Associate Academic Officer - Applied research on risks in mountains, spatial data & modelling (P2), Bonn

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Location:

Bonn, Germany

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

ay2kh18m

Job Views:

1

Posted:

11.06.2025

Expiry Date:

26.07.2025

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Job Description:

About UN University (UNU)

The 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

About Institute (UNU-EHS)

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.

Eurac Research

Eurac is a private, non-profit, interdisciplinary research center in Northern Italy established in 1992. With 11 research institutes, 6 cross-cutting centers and 700+ staff, Eurac Research provides expertise and develops practical solutions in the fields of environment, migration, minority rights, medicine, energy, and innovative technologies. Eurac contributes to healthy societies, fostering in particular the development of mountain regions as well as the livelihood of their communities, and supports the management of social, cultural and ecological diversity. The Eurac premises are located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in the heart of the Alps and close to the Dolomites.

Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) Division

In 2019 UNU-EHS and Eurac Research initiated a new joint research programme. The Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) programme combines the scientific profiles and capacities of both institutions. It seeks to increase the resilience of mountain communities towards natural and man-made hazards and disaster risks, to protect the wealth of biological and cultural diversity, and to support the sustainable development of these highly sensitive social-ecological systems. The GLOMOS mission is to turn science into action by strengthening solution-oriented and innovative management of disaster risks in mountains through an integrative approach fostering transdisciplinary research and technology transfer. The GLOMOS programme provides a bridge between science and global conventions: the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Paris Climate Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Agenda 2030). GLOMOS activities comprise research for and in mountain regions worldwide – from the global to the local level – as well as the campaigning work for a larger recognition of mountain issues in global policies, initiatives and finance schemes. The GLOMOS programme has two offices, one at UNU-EHS at the UN Campus in Bonn / Germany and one in the premises of Eurac Research in Bolzano Italy. The duty station for the here announced position is the duty station in Bonn.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Vice-Rector/Director of UNU-EHS and the direct co-supervision of the Head of the GLOMOS programme, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

1. Science and research

Develop research strategies and scientific research line questions in cooperation with the Head of GLOMOS,

Sharpen the scientific profile of the GLOMOS programme, particularly in the fields of spatial data analysis and / or physical or abstract modelling,

Conduct research activities focusing on (but not excluding other) spatial data analysis and modelling within the fields of systemic risk analysis, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA),

Leading the scientific GLOMOS activities in Africa,

Develop and publish scientific papers in international journals.

2. Programme management and development

Act as first senior contact point for the GLOMOS Bonn office, support the Head of the GLOMOS programme in all aspects of management and organisation of the GLOMOS Bonn office,

Be responsible for the planning, organization and documentation of GLOMOS events, conferences, and strategic meetings,

Bring forward the development of GLOMOS activities in the fields of spatial data analysis and modelling related to mountain risks – particularly in cooperation with other research groups at UNU-EHS / VIE and Eurac Research.

3. Project acquisition and management

Take a leading role in the identification of funding sources for research projects and the generation of project proposals focusing on Africa - but not excluding other mountain regions worldwide,

Lead research projects as responsible project manager including the management of GLOMOS staff, partner organisations and budget issues,

Monitor financial and project budgetary status of projects (and the Bonn office as such) and provide officers responsible with information as required,

Supervise junior team members in ongoing scientific project activities in management tasks,

Contribute to GLOMOS capacity development activities (training and education).

Support the communication and dissemination of GLOMOS activities and project results,

Support the establishment, maintenance and documentation of networks and relationships with other international actors and institutions active in the area of mountain research.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Key performance indicators

Timely and quality delivery of research results and respective publications

Quality of innovative research design for the acquisition of GLOMOS scientific projects

Timely and quality support for reporting and management of the GLOMOS Bonn office

Quality and level of engagement with project team, consortium partners and stakeholders

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

Master's degree or PhD in physical + human geography, ecology, environmental sciences, social anthropology, spatial planning or any other scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of GLOMOS is required

2) Required qualifications and experience

At least two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in scientific project/programme support and implementation, preferably in an international environment; More than five (5) years of experience would be an advantage;

Familiarity with mountain environments and with existing international mountain research networks and related scientific institutions;

Proven expertise in spatial data analysis and / or physical or abstract modelling;

Familiarity with a diverse range of scientific methods and associated software relevant for scientific activities in mountain regions;

Excellent communication and writing skills with respect to scientific as well as non-scientific texts;

Familiarity in training and capacity development activities;

Self-reflective team player with strong networking and interpersonal skills, and experience in working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

3) Desired qualifications and experience

A PhD in a relevant topic is an asset;

Experience in (scientific) project management and in project reporting;

Experience in the planning, organization and documentation of events, conferences, and strategic meetings;

Experience in research in Africa and with African project partners;

Public speaking/presentation as well as moderation skills;

Knowledge and experience of processes and procedures of United Nations agencies or international organizations

Willingness and capability of travelling and working in mountainous, higher altitude regions

4) Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required

Good knowledge of Italian and German is a strong asset

Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

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

Duration of contract

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.

Starting Date

Immediate

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);

provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;

provide a list of publications;

provide a highest education academic certificate;

answer a few questions that are tailored to the position;

apply via the apply link;

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

8 July 2025

Submissions must be received by CET 23:59 on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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.

Scam warning

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