Scientific Coordinator – Sustainability and Innovation Management

About United Nations University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 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 http://unu.edu. United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

The mission of UNU-FLORES is to contribute, through research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, to the resolution of pressing challenges in the area of sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources (water, soil and waste), particularly in developing and transitional countries. It aims to serve within the UN as the think-tank on resources management and be internationally recognised as major hub and intellectual focal point promoting integrated management strategies addressing, in particular, the needs of developing and emerging countries. The Institute is located in Dresden, Federal Republic of Germany. For more information please visit http://flores.unu.edu.

Job purpose

This position is offered within and directly linked to the project “Sustainability and Innovation Management”. The goal of the project is to enhance knowledge, skills, and educational training in the Bangladesh Higher Education sector through the focus on sustainability related topics including social responsibility, environmental protection, and technical innovation, with the ultimate aim of establishing a Chair for Sustainability and Innovation Management within Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.

The key objectives of the project therefore are to:

• improve the qualifications of specialists and executive personnel in the areas of social responsibility, environmental protection, and innovation in the textile and clothing industry
• contribute to improving the working conditions of workers in Bangladesh’s production plants and to improving sustainable development of the textile sector

The project will focus on the ecological, economic and social assessment of sustainability in the context of the textile and garment industry, which is a major source employment and economic growth in Bangladesh but is also associated with numerous social and environmental challenges.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of UNU-FLORES, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• to contribute to developing the scientific content of the teaching materials
• to support curriculum development
• to participate in field visits to Bangladesh, to oversee the progress of the project
• closely collaborate with partners in Germany and internationally
• manage and coordinate project activities
• organise workshops both domestically, and internationally
• perform other duties as assigned by the director

Required qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• a PhD or a Master’s degree in either business and economics, textile engineering, environmental sciences, or a field related to integrated resource management
• experience in the textile industry and/or ecological and social management issues is mandatory; PhD holders must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience and master’s degree holders must demonstrate 4 years experience
• project management experience, particularly administration and budgeting
• previous teaching experience is essential
• willingness to travel both locally and internationally, particularly to Bangladesh
• ability to work independently with flexibility, and willingness to participate in interdisciplinary teamwork
• 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
• highly self-motivated, innovative, and organised, yet detail-oriented, with a professional and conscientious attitude and the ability to independently prioritise
• fluency in English and German in both oral and written communications

Desirable experience and skills

Desirable experience and skills include:

• previous experience working in Bangladesh or in a developing country would be an asset
• prior experience with curriculum development is desirable
• skills and experience in organising workshops, seminars, and conferences, both locally and internationally, would be advantageous

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.

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.

The successful candidate will be employed under a personnel service agreement based in Dresden, Germany and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with the qualification and experience of the successful candidate.

Contract specifications

This position is being offered as a part time position (35 hours per week) on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-FLORES with the possibility for renewal subject to fund availability and satisfactory work performance. The initial project duration is two years. The combined duration of appointment shall not exceed six (6) years.

The successful candidate will be employed under a personnel service agreement based in Dresden, Germany and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Starting date

As soon as possible.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email to hrflores@unu.edu

Applications must include the following:

1. A cover letter
2. A curriculum vitae
3. A completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
4. Please insert the following reference number in the subject (2019/UNU/FLORES/PSA/SCSM/97)

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

As part of the recruitment process candidates may be asked to complete written tests and demonstrate language skills.

Vacancy Announcement: UNU-FLORES Scientific Coordinator (182.9 KB PDF)

By email: hrflores@unu.edu