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 Environment and Human Security is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.  

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: .

The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) is hosted at UNU-EHS and is a research-to-policy and practice innovation lab. MCII 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: .

Climate Risk Analytics: 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 to iii) further operational concepts of improved climate risk management also through academic collaborations.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS, the guidance of the Chief Climate Risk Strategist and Head of the MCII Division, and the supervision of the Academic Officer – Head of Climate Risk Analytics, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

  

1.      Lead research, knowledge management and dissemination on CLIMADA modelling (Loss and Damage, Flood and Drought hazard)

·       Drive innovation in modeling approaches for Loss and Damage, with a particular focus on calibration and optimization techniques;

·       Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination activities on CLIMADA modeling for assessing Loss and Damage, and flood and drought hazards;

·       Address existing knowledge gaps in quantifying basic needs through the development and application of innovative, open-source, and open-data modeling tools, including advanced calibration and optimization methods;

·       Coordinate the calibration, validation, and application of these methods in relevant projects, ensuring rigorous optimization for context-specific use cases.

2.       Serve as a bridge between modelling effort and project management

·       Act as a link between advanced modeling efforts and effective project management to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs;

·       Coordinate the integration of modeling outputs (e.g., Loss and Damage estimates, flood and drought hazard assessments, risk transfer module, displaced population) into project planning, implementation, and monitoring processes;

·       Facilitate communication and knowledge exchange between modeling teams, project managers, and external partners to enhance the practical application of modeling results;

·       Support the design and management of projects that rely on calibrated and optimized models, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance for decision-making;

·       Develop tools, workflows, and guidance to operationalize complex modeling results into project cycles, with an emphasis on open-source and reproducible approaches;

·       Support capacity-building activities for project teams to strengthen understanding and use of modeling tools in project contexts.

3.       Provide substantive support in fundraising and networking activities

·       Co-develop new project activities for UNU-EHS in the context of climate risk analytics and other relevant topics;

·       Provide effective support to the Climate Risk Analytics team in proposal writing related to climate risk and analytics;

·       Establish and maintain networks with relevant stakeholders, including private sector actors, public sector decision-makers, NGOs, community-based groups, research institutions as well as UN organizations.

4.       Write publications and contribute to teaching activities

·       Lead and contribute to the writing and (co-)authoring of scientific publications and research papers;

·       Supervise MSc thesis on relevant topics and contribute to MSc-level teaching as required;

·       Represent the organization at regional and global climate risk events, expert meetings and conferences.

5.     Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

·       Timely and quality development of inputs related to the climate risk analytics and modelling outputs (including CLIMADA related work);

·       Contribution to peer-reviewed publications, reports, and knowledge products in line with UNU‑EHS research objectives;

·       Meaningful contribution to proposal development, fundraising efforts, and donor engagement.

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

PhD degree or equivalent in economics, finance, environmental engineering or related field with a background in climate adaptation and/or hazard management; OR

MA/MSc degree or equivalent in economics, finance, environmental engineering or related field with background in climate adaptation and/or hazard management.

Required Qualifications:

·       PhD degree or equivalent in a related field with a minimum of 1 year directly relevant experience; OR MA/MSc ’s degree or equivalent in related field with 5 years’ directly relevant experience in research and academia in the area of climate change adaptation in the context of risk analytics, climate finance or similar;

·       Proven research experience in fields related to climate risk analytics;

·       Strong programming skills in Python and/or other programming languages;

·       Familiarity with the UN and/or other international institutions;

·       Proven track record in research and scientific publications;

·       Strong project management skills with a broad range of stakeholders;

·       Ability to explain complex processes (e.g. modelling, data requirement, scenarios) to non-expert audiences in a clear manner;

·       Initiative seeker with an interest to professionally expand into new ways of applying and disseminating quantitative climate risk analysis and climate finance;

·       Excellent presentation and communication skills;

·       Ability to lead a small team of experts.

Desired qualifications and experience:

·       A PhD in a relevant topic is an asset;

·       Previous experience working with CLIMADA/ECA is an asset;

·       A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organizational disaster risk reduction and -management and climate change adaptation is an asset;

·       Experience in proposal writing and design of methodological frameworks in the context of development cooperation and in coordinating with a broad range of actors is an asset;

·       Work experience in developing countries is an asset.

   

Language Requirements:

·       Fluency in English is required;

·       Knowledge of German is an asset;

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


Remuneration

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.


Duration of contract

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


Starting date: As soon as possible

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


How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

  • Fill out the (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; and

    You may wish to refer to the for more information.

  • apply via the apply link.


Application Deadline: 08 May 2026.

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

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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