Associate Academic Officer Applied research on risks in mountains, I&LKS – East Asia (FTAIP, P2)

About UN University (UNU) The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, 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 About Institute (UNU-EHS) United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (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: .   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.
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 latter one.   Responsibilities Under the authority of the Vice- Rector/ Director of UNU-EHS and the direct co-supervision of the Head of the GLOMOS Bolzano office, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:         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, particular in the social science fields and with a regional focus on South- East and East Asia ·       Conduct research activities within the fields of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), Indigenous and Local Knowledge, and sustainable development and management of social-ecological systems in mountain regions ·       Develop and publish scientific papers in international journals   2.        Programme management and development ·       Act as first contact point for the GLOMOS Bolzano office, support the Head of the GLOMOS programme in all aspects of management and organisation of the GLOMOS Bolzano office ·       Be responsible for the planning, organization and documentation of GLOMOS events, conferences, and strategic meetings ·       Bring forward the development of GLOMOS work, particularly concerning social science aspects and for the mountain regions in South East and East Asia   3.        Project acquisition and management ·       Take a leading role in the identification of funding sources for research projects and the generation of project proposals ·       Run research projects as responsible project manager including the management of partner organisations and budget issues ·       Monitor financial and project budgetary status of projects 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)   4.        GLOMOS visibility ·       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 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 Bolzano office ·       Quality and level of engagement with project team, consortium partners and stakeholders 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 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 science, social anthropology, spatial planning or any other scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of GLOMOS 2) Required skills and experience Required qualifications and experience ·       At least two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in scientific project and/or programme support or implementation, some of which preferably in an international environment.
More than four (4) years of experience would be an advantage; ·       Familiarity with mountain environments and with existing international mountain research networks and related scientific institutions; ·       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.     Desired Qualifications ·     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; ·     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. 3) Language Requirements ·       Fluency in English is required; ·       Good knowledge of Italian and German is a strong asset; ·       Good knowledge in any additional language, especially an East- Asian language, is an 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: 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 1 September 2025.
How to Apply To apply to UNU, you will not need an account.
Instead, we ask that you: Apply via the apply link; 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); and answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline 3 March 2025 Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET 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 UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.
Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it.
Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced.
Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.