Vice-Rector in Europe / Director, UNU-EHS

United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic arm of the United Nations and for the last four decades has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 SDGs, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research. For more information please visit https://unu.edu/.

UNU-EHS Director and UNU Vice-Rector in Europe

The United Nations University is recruiting a Director for the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) who will concurrently serve as UNU’s Vice-Rector in Europe. The successful candidate will divide his/her time equally between both positions.

The UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) aims to carry out cutting edge research on risks and adaptation related to environmental hazards and global change. The Institute’s research promotes policies and programmes to reduce these risks, while taking into account the interplay between environmental and societal factors. For detailed information on UNU-EHS and its programmes, including is postgraduate education activities, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu

The UNU-EHS Director serves as the Institute’s chief academic and administrative officer with responsibility for the direction, organisation, administration, and programmes under the direction of the UNU Rector. The Director ensures that high quality research outputs and policy recommendations are channeled effectively to the UN system, policymakers, and other stakeholders; maintains excellent donor relationships and, increases and diversifies funding for the Institute; identifies and supervises innovative research to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience of communities and societies in the face of environmental risks in light of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals; and promotes diversity, inclusivity and gender equality, and gender mainstreaming throughout the Institute’s work and research programmes. The Director’s qualifications should lend to UNU-EHS prestige in the international scholarly community, guarantee scientific excellence, and provide leadership and guidance for the conduct of UNU-EHS’ activities.

The UNU Vice-Rectorate in Europe is an extension of UNU Centre (Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan. The head of the Vice-Rectorate is the UNU-Vice-Rector. He/she represents the Rector outside of Japan in selected high-level UN forums, in meetings with Member States and donors, and vis-à-vis UNU insitutes located in Europe and Africa. S/he facilitates collaboration across the system of UNU research institutes as well as with stakeholders in and outside of the United Nations, particularly in Europe. The Vice-Rector promotes and facilitates the development of policy-relevant research within UNU, and contributes to policy discussions/development in UN entities, Member States, and with other key stakeholders. S/he is also responsible for outreach efforts in Europe— specifically with Geneva-based research and United Nations entities and the European Commission—as well as supporting fundraising efforts for the University. The Vice-Rector in Europe may also be assigned advisory or supervisory responsibilities for colleagues or units of the UNU.

Required qualifications

Specific qualifications and competencies are as follows:

• a doctoral qualification in a relevant scientific or social academic discipline, such as environmental studies or social sciences
• a strong research background and publications in areas related to addressing risks and societal change
• demonstrated administration experience (including finance and human resources management)
• previous experience of research programme leadership yielding cutting edge scientific results evidenced by a strong publication record
• success influencing policy, and demonstrable contributions to knowledge sharing across academic communities in the Global North and South
• strong international fundraising skills and demonstrable success in securing support from research funders
• proven sensitivity to gender factors (in administration and in research)
• strong leadership skills and an inclusive approach to management
• the ability to interact with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds
• excellent communication skills, including with diverse stakeholders (such as institutional donors, academics, and students from a range of countries and cultures)
• proven commitment to human development and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda
• fluency in English (required); fluency in German and official languages of the United Nations is desirable

UNU is an inclusive employer and endeavors to create a culture of inclusiveness. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates or underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

Remuneration

Approximate net annual salary of US$104,784 (for the full-time position) including post adjustment, which is subject to change. The post carries the standard set of United Nations 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 specific information please visit:

http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html. The Rector reserves the right to appoint suitable candidates at a lower category and on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Duration of contract

The period of initial contract is for a four-year term with the possibility of renewal, subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The mandatory retirement age in the United Nations is 65.

Starting date

It is expected that the appointee will take up the position as early as possible, but no later than summer 2020.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by email and should submit:

• a cover letter setting out (1) the motivations for applying for the post and (2) how the candidate’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• full curriculum vitae (with publications list)
• a completed  United Nations University Personal History Form (P.11)

Vacancy Announcement: Vice Rector in Europe/UNU-EHS Director (224.0 KB PDF)

By Email:  unubonndir@unu.edu