Head of Nexus Research Programme on Integrated Resources Management

About UN University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of 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.

United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES):

UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden, Germany, the Institute engages in research, capacity development, postgraduate teaching, advanced training, and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus.

Job Purpose:

To play a vital role in establishing interdisciplinary research programmes and building an innovative research culture across UNU. This open topic position is designed to strengthen the nexus approach of integrated and sustainable management of environmental resources championed by UNU-FLORES.

The selected candidate will play a key role in delivering UNU’s grant generation goals through the development of a significant network of support and partnerships.

The selected candidate will also have the opportunity of being co-opted as Honorary Professor at the Technische Universitaet Dresden (TU Dresden), for up to five years in their field of study, provided that the formal requirements for such status as determined by the relevant faculty at TU Dresden are fulfilled.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of UNU-FLORES, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Establish, develop, and lead a research programme and projects in the field of integrated resources management;
• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and policy briefs and actively represent the Institute by presenting papers when appropriate;
• Conduct policy analysis and advise on any legal or governance issues relevant to integrated resources management;
• Identify and contribute to emerging issues in the field of integrated resources management that are of interest to the United Nations, member states, and policymakers, and subsequently articulate policies, strategies, and approaches to address them;
• Contribute to teaching modules for joint postgraduate programmes of the Institute with TU Dresden and supervise researchers, PhD students Master thesis students, and interns in the covered areas;
• Line manage staff within the research development department, setting and monitoring team objectives, including identifying training and/or development requirements and performance management issues as appropriate;
• Disseminate complex information in a manner that ensures the understanding of colleagues, using workshops, teaching moments, and individual coaching;
• Scrutinise and critique research, proposals, and grant applications;
• Work in conjunction with the Partnerships and Liaison Officer to establish contacts with the national, and international scientific community, and open new opportunities for the Institute;
• Support collaboration and partnership with TU Dresden, including PRISMA, the Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy at TU Dresden;
• Contribute to the management and use of Resource Nexus Data at the Institute, including new and existing data, tools and methods;
• Actively contribute to an inclusive and diverse international work environment;
• Perform any additional duties that may be reasonably assigned by the director.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A PhD in Engineering related to the integrated management of environmental resources;
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive, and relevant work experience including managing research programmes in academia, research, or related institutions;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the research agenda in integrated resources management;
• Recognition by the scientific community, as demonstrated by invitations to editorial boards of journals, Advisory Committees, and keynote speeches;
• Track record of research publications in areas related to integrated resources management;
• Experience obtaining research funding from a variety of national and/or international sources;
• Established skills in both project and team management;
• Highly self-motivated, innovative, and organised, yet detail-oriented, with a professional and conscientious attitude and the ability to independently prioritise;
• Proficiency in English both in oral and written communications is mandatory; proficiency in German would be advantageous;
• Willing to travel as required both locally and internationally;
• 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.

Desirable competencies:

• Expertise in specific environmental issues in developing or emerging countries;*
• Professional experience in teaching postgraduate programmes;
• Good familiarity with organising conferences, workshops, and summer schools, preferably at the intersection of research and policy;
• Working knowledge of another official UN language or language prevalent in Latin America, Africa or Asia.

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.

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.

Duration of contract:

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment and an internationally recruited post. The initial appointment will be for a period of one (1) year with the possibility of renewal in accordance with the UN Staff Rules and Regulations and the UNU Personnel Policy. The combined duration of fixed-term appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.

Please note that due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by national authorities, the selected candidate may be required to start the appointment remotely until further notice.

Remuneration:

We offer a competitive (tax-exempted) net salary at the P3 level commensurate to the level of experience and allowances, including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change.

The post carries the standard set of UN entitlements/benefits, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible children, removal expenses and home leave. For more information, please visit:

http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html

The Rector reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate at a lower category.

This position carries an annual leave entitlement of 2.5 working days per month (a total of 30 days of paid annual leave), and private health insurance coverage.

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their application and all required documents listed below online through Impactpool:

1. A curriculum vitae
2. Cover letter detailing how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position and the specific contributions you can make to the UNU. Please include the vacancy announcement reference number: 2021/UNU/FLORES/FTA/HNRP/83799
3. Digital copies of your degree certificate(s)/diploma(s)

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications that are incomplete or received after the closing date will not be considered.

The selection process may include various tests/assessments and/or interviews via video conference.

The United Nations University does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, visa, or other fees). UNU will never ask for an applicant's bank information as part of a recruitment process.