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 the 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. The initiative serves as a leading think-tank on climate change and insurance, and is a forum for insurance-related expertise applied to climate change issues – under the vision that insurance solutions are an essential part of a wider climate risk management strategy. The project office of MCII is hosted at the United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and comprises three teams.

The Climate Risk Finance Solutions Team under MCII is dedicated to increasing resilience and improving the financial preparedness of the poorest and most marginalized individuals to cope with climate risks. To this end, we develop and facilitate the introduction and scaling up of sustainable and inclusive climate disaster risk finance and insurance (CDRFI) solutions. Evidence is at the heart of our approach. We link evidence with implementation to better understand the need for and impact of CDRFI solutions. Moreover, we strive to build and share evidence and expertise on available, affordable, and appropriate CDRFI solutions for the most vulnerable individuals, communities, and societies. The regional focus of the team is above all on Small Island Development States (SIDS) in the Pacific and in the Caribbean.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS, the guidance Chief Climate Risk Strategist and Head of the MCII Division and supervision of the Associate Academic Officer – Team Lead, MCII Climate Risk Finance Solutions, and the Deputy Director – Head of Risk and Adaptation of UNU-EHS, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

  

1.     Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination of research findings

·       Lead applied research, including qualitative and quantitative analyses on inclusive climate disaster risk finance and insurance;

·       Conceptualize and oversee research on innovative inclusive climate risk finance solutions, with a particular focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific and Caribbean;

·       Lead research on climate overshoot (exceed‑and‑return scenarios), in collaboration with relevant UNU‑EHS divisions, to strengthen integration into adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) work;

·       Contribute to IPCC-relevant analyses by integrating insights from Global South climate risk, resilience, and adaptation contexts; 

·       Supervise, mentor, and onboard junior researchers and colleagues engaged in related research activities;

·       Represent UNU-EHS and the Climate Risk Finance Solutions Team in technical dialogues, workshops, and conferences;

·       Produce and disseminate high-quality knowledge outputs, including policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications.

2.       Project Management and Reporting

·       Coordinate with donors, project partners, and stakeholders to support the timely and effective implementation of evidence and research activities;

·     Lead the preparation of annual reports and other required project-related reporting and deliverables.

3.       Fundraising and networking activities

·       Co-develop new projects and research initiatives for UNU-EHS in the areas of climate risk finance and insurance, adaptation finance, and emerging work on climate overshoot; 

·       Provide substantive input to drafting funding proposals related to inclusive climate disaster risk finance and insurance;

·       Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and professional networks with key stakeholders, including academia, research institutions, public and private sector actors, NGOs, community-based organisations, think tanks, and UN organizations;

·       Assist in strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange with internal and external partners to advance programme and research objectives.

4.       Contribute to publications, research, and teaching activities  

·       Lead and contribute to the writing and (co-)authoring of scientific publications, research papers and other knowledge products relevant to UNU-EHS’ thematic priorities;

·       Support the design and delivery of teaching and education activities, including those undertaken through UNU-EHS;

·       Supervise MSc theses on relevant topics and provide support to MSc-level teaching, as required.

5.     Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor (s).

Key Performance Indicators

·       Successful identification of funding opportunities and contribution to high-quality grant proposals for resource mobilization;

·       Effective mentoring of junior researchers and high-quality supervision of MSc students toward successful thesis completion;

·       Timely and high-quality contribution to the development of innovative research approaches, including topic such as climate overshoot;

·       Timely and quality delivery of technical inputs for stakeholder engagements, knowledge products, and other applied research outputs on climate disaster risk finance and insurance that inform policy and practice;

·       Effective and professional engagement with academic, research and project implementation partners;

·       UNU-EHS/ MCII are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, 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

Ph.D. Development Studies, Environmental Science, Climate Policy, Climate Finance, Economics, or a closely related field - with background in climate adaptation and climate risk finance.

Required Qualifications:  

·       Minimum one (1) year of directly relevant experience.

·       Demonstrated knowledge and professional experience in Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI);

·       Proven ability to apply gender-responsive and equity-focused approaches in climate, resilience, or disaster risk management programmes and research;

·       Experience conducting multi-country research and leading assessments, particularly in low – and middle-income countries;

·       Strong research skills, including qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, evidence synthesis, interdisciplinary analysis, and the translation of findings into policy and practice-oriented recommendations;

·       Ability to coordinate research process and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and diverse institutional partners;

·      Experience supporting the supervision of junior researchers, graduate students, or early-career professionals;

·       Strong record of contributions to peer‑reviewed publications, policy papers, and technical reports in climate adaptation, climate finance, disaster risk management, or related fields;

·       Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to tailor outputs to academic, policy, and practitioner audiences;

·       Ability to contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including drafting inputs for concept notes, proposals, or donor-funded initiatives;

·      Other Desirable Skills: More than 5 years of applied research experience in climate change adaptation, climate risk finance, disaster risk management, or related fields; Experience contributing to international assessment or science-policy processes, including engagement with mechanisms such as the IPCC or UNFCCC; Good knowledge of UN processes and frameworks, particularly those related to adaptation, loss and damage, and climate risk finance; international professional experience, including work in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments, with an established network of relevant stakeholders; Experience working across Africa, the Caribbean, and/or the Pacific regions.

   

Language Requirements:

·       Fluency in English is required;

·       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: 13 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.


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.


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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.