Associate Project Manager — Multi-Actor Partnership on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Preparedness (MAPs)

United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching, and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII)

MCII was initiated as a non-profit organisation by representatives of insurers, research institutes, and NGOs in April 2005 in response to the growing realisation that insurance solutions can play a role in adaptation to climate change, as suggested in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. This initiative is hosted at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). As a leading think tank on climate change and insurance, MCII is focused on developing solutions for the risks posed by climate change for the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries. For more information, visit www.climate-insurance.org

The project “Multi-Actor Partnership on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Preparedness in the Context of the InsuResilience Global Partnership” (MAPs) is implemented as a multi-country and multi-level project, and engages in specific country contexts including in Laos, Sri Lanka, Malawi, Madagascar, Senegal, Philippines, and the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada). At the country and regional levels, the project aims to develop six national MAPs and one regional MAP. The consortium partners (CARE Germany, Germanwatch, and MCII) are in charge of cooperation with and capacity development of actors at the national and regional level. At the international level, the project strives to contribute to building a global multi-stakeholder community to develop and promote climate and disaster risk finance and insurance approaches within the InsuResilience Global Partnership and other international processes (incl. the UNFCCC). The German Federal Ministry for Development and Economic Cooperation (BMZ) provides funding for the project.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the guidance of the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) Head of Unit/Executive Director, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:

• manage the MAPs project; ensure the timely delivery of project outputs, and actively lead project resource planning, monitoring, and execution
• act as MCII focal point on the project and manage the communication and interaction with project partners and the donor to ensure a successful implementation of the project
• coordinate and support the preparation of relevant research material together with MAPs partners and other MCII projects, including the preparation of a comprehensive climate and disaster risk financing and insurance toolkit
• support the preparation of other research material and written inputs, such as academic and non-academic papers on climate risk insurance and other relevant topics in climate and disaster finance
• support regional partners in their engagement with relevant actors, including the Working Groups of the InsuResilience Global Partnership in coordination with other MCII projects; and other activities pertaining to the conceptualisation of project relevant activities as needed
• actively expand project opportunities based on ongoing engagement
• strategically engage with key stakeholders within and outside the project’s immediate framework to ensure professional and efficient communication and collaboration to further the project’s objectives and to support MCII’s agenda of strengthening the disaster risk management – resilience nexus
• actively manage project reporting processes towards project donor and partners, as well as UNU and MCII as requested
• prepare and participate in field missions to support the implementation of the project, as required
• represent the organisation at relevant expert meetings, and conferences as needed
• any task in support of the MCII head of unit, as agreed

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

• a master’s degree in economics, public sector financing, development economics, or a similar field
• proficient understanding of the nexus between climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and humanitarian intervention
• at least 3 years of working experience, including in a developing country context
• experience in project management and stakeholder interaction required
• proven ability to structure work processes and successfully deliver project results
• background or experience in climate risk management, disaster risk financing, climate change adaptation, and/or climate risk insurance topics
• background or experience with UNFCCC-related processes, particularly the work of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage
• initiative seeker with a strong hands-on attitude who brings practical thinking towards achieving results, and demonstrates the ability to further expand project opportunities (incl. interaction with partners and funding institutions)
• demonstrated critical thinker with a strong interest to provide social innovation in the frame of MCII’s mission
• excellent writing and communication skills with a fluency in spoken and written English
• track-record of demonstrated abilities in public speech, including clear and effective communication and presentation skills
• strong team player with strong interpersonal skills committed to working in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• this position requires the candidate to travel as needed by the project work-plan
• existing professional networks consisting of contacts to academic partners, disaster risk management organisations, relevant development actors and/or UN organisations would be an asset
• experience working for or with non-governmental organisations, especially in the Philippines or in the Caribbean region, is an asset

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.

Working hours

40 hours per week.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of contract

The successful candidate shall work under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) for a fixed period of twelve (12) months with the possibility of renewal. The combined duration of appointments under a PSA shall not exceed six (6) 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).

The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she/they a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Starting date

May 2020, or as soon as possible.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail (hrbonn@vie.unu.edu), and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2020/UNU/EHS/PSA/APM/MAPS/25)

Vacancy Announcement: UNU-EHS Associate Project Manager - MAP (238.7 KB PDF)

By email: hrbonn@vie.unu.edu