Research Assistant (PSA)

United Nations 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

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

UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.  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. For more information, please visit .

This position supports the operation of the Research and Innovation Development pillar and related meetings at the institutional level, and contributes to ongoing and forthcoming projects that cover research and innovation, education and capacity development, and outreach, advocacy and impact activities, particularly in the focus areas “Resilient Food, Forest and Ecosystems”, “Transformed Landscapes” and “Responsible Electronics”.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority the Director of UNU-FLORES and the direct supervision of the of Deputy Director, the Research Assistant will provide support to UNU-FLORES by performing the following tasks:

1. Research and Innovation Development

• Research, extract and systematically compile information and data related to the application of the Resource Nexus, particularly in the context of sustainability transformations and the focus areas of UNU-FLORES (Resilient food, forest and ecosystems; Transformed landscapes; Sustainable buildings and construction; Responsible Electronics), including:

  • Perform literature reviews (particularly of scientific literature and UN documents);

  • Synthesize key information from literature, e.g. for project proposals, scientific manuscripts, UN reports;

  • Support with data collection, analysis and interpretation, e.g., spatiotemporal analysis by GIS, statistical analyses, or the application of assessment and modelling tools for sustainability assessment;

  • Prepare visualisations (e.g., diagrams/charts, maps, …);

  • Support with the design of questionnaires and the implementation of surveys;

  • Assist with manuscript proofing (proofreading, requesting originality checks, checking and if necessary, correcting bibliographical information); and

  • Support the creation of presentations for research events.

• Assist in the internal administration of research activities, including internal monitoring and control, strategic planning and reporting;

• Assist in preparation of Research Pillar and Developing Proposals meetings, e.g., by compiling information on research performance indicators, pre-screening specific calls, and prepare briefings for the on specific research-related topics;

• Assist in research related reporting to UNU Centre and other UN entities, e.g., in the context of SDG contributions, High Level Political Dialogues, UNU Annual Reports;

• Assist in the compilation and evaluation of information required for research-related KPI reporting to UNU Centre;

• Assist in the documentation of research activities conducted by adjuncts and by research-oriented UNU Hubs; and

• Collaborate with the Resource Nexus Events, Advocacy and Outreach Associate regarding the logistics of research-related and science-based advocacy events.

2. Education and Capacity Development

• Support with the identification of research products and findings that are relevant for inclusion in the Knowledge Academy for the Resource Nexus (KARE); and

• Assist with the design of educational materials that are based on the Institute’s research.

3. Governance and Administration

• Assist with the implementation of administrative regulations and policy framework relevant to respective activities and projects;

• Assist in the initiation and preparation of the documents for relevant Academic Affiliation Agreements or Consultancy Contracts; and

• Support research related communication with donors and research partners, including reporting

4. Outreach, Advocacy and Impact

• Prepare outputs and research-related news pieces for the UNU-FLORES website and for social media; and

• Support the communication with relevant stakeholders in the UN system and its member states, including governmental and non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Contribution to research outputs (co-authoring at least one peer-reviewed article) and the monitoring of institutional performance indicators (e.g., publications per academic staff, collaborations with the Global South);

• Integration of research outputs into capacity-building activities (through KARE; with the goal of increasing the number of education contributors and students taught);

• Contribution to documenting and strategically communicating project results to enhance institutional visibility (through internal support and external communication, including online posts);

• Timely implementation and quality of execution of the above-mentioned responsibilities;

• Contribution to proactive and target-oriented engagement with UNU-FLORES partners (research partners, government, donors); and

• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, the UN system, donors, and civil society.

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

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, geosciences, sustainable development, environmental policy, environmental economics or similar disciplines, provided that they relate to the integrated management of environmental resources (Resource Nexus).

2) Required skills and experience

• At least one (1) year of research/academic working experience related to environment/sustainability;

• Familiarity and demonstrated experience with the Resource Nexus or related concepts (e.g., integrated environmental resource management), e.g., through relevant publication(s), reference project(s), internship(s) or previous employment;

• Experience of working in international settings, e.g., in transnational cooperation or intergovernmental organisations;

  Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;

• Basic experience in conducting trans-/interdisciplinary research (e.g., research-oriented master thesis, research, or consultancy-related employment), including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;

• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in different contexts (e.g., academia, UN system);

• Demonstrates initiative, strong conceptual abilities and sound judgment;

• Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes; and

• 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 German and/or willingness to learn German is desired; and

• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract on full-time (100%) basis. The duration of the Research Assistant position aligns with the third-party-funded projects, pending approval. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary of 2,895 EUR, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, prorated depending on the duration of contract, 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 7 months. The duration of the contract aligns with the third-party-funded projects, pending approval. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility of renewal, subject to the project’s requirements, availability of the budget 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

Immediate.

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 (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);

• provide educational credentials indicated in the P11; and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

As outlined above, please compile UNU P11 Form and all additional documents into a single PDF file and upload within the P11 Form * field.

You may wish to refer to the for more information on the organisational culture.

Application Deadline

28 April 2026

Submissions must be received by the midnight CEST (Central European Summer Time) 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

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.

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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