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 http://unu.edu

UNU-EHS is one of 13 research and training institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-EHS

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: https://unu.edu/ehs.

Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation (FAST) Division

The FAST division researches systemic transformation toward sustainability to inform and enhance policy. The division seeks to understand complex realities by researching social, environmental and technological sub-systems, such as infrastructure provision, social security mechanisms and related good governance approaches, with a focus on their interlinkages and dependencies. Thereby the division aims to advance system understanding and identify key leverage points for triggering change. The work is rooted in the understanding that sustainable futures require technological conversion coupled with social and environmental justice. This includes research into what lifestyles are desirable, affordable and just in a changing global environment, which in turn advances conceptual approaches to future well-being. The current core focus is on urban areas, which already see the effects of global change and are among its key drivers at the same time. Based on its own primary and transformative research, FAST will provide science-based advice for inclusive urban policy action.

Well-being and Equity (WE) Division

“Well-being and Equity (WE)” is a pioneering science-to-policy research area of the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). WE aspires towards a holistic understanding of the preconditions for human and planetary well-being and equity, including by leveraging on different knowledge systems that go beyond current predominant knowledge system. To transform towards a WE society, this Division intends to bring together a broad range of interdisciplinary scientific expertise and diverse knowledge necessary to understand the interface between well-being, sustainability and equity. The division aims to develop holistic data and policy models to weigh all dimensions of well-being, sustainability and equity for decision makers; leverage change towards a sustainable and equitable society focusing on well-being and to develop a compelling narrative for a holistic framework.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice-Rector in Europe (ViE) /Director of UNU-EHS, the Academic Officer, Head of the Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation (FAST) and interim Head of Well-being & Equity (WE) Divisions is responsible for the following duties:

1. Strategic Programme Leadership and Management

Contribute to the development and implementation of the strategic direction of the Transformation Department and, in coordination with the Director and relevant colleagues, identify and pursue diversified funding opportunities for the FAST and WE portfolios;

Provide overall leadership for the Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation (FAST) Division, ensuring scientific and policy relevance, sound financial and human resources management, and alignment with the strategic objectives of UNU-EHS and UNU;

Support the development of the Well-being and Equity (WE) Division and establish strategic partnerships to strengthen its networks;

Acquire new projects and develop new Division-level initiatives to expand UNU-EHS portfolio in the aforementioned two research areas;

Develop innovative research and convening methodologies, including the use of art and other creative formats.

2. Team Leadership and Capacity Development

Recruit, lead and manage a diverse, high-performing team, including direct supervision of FAST and WE personnel;

Provide scientific guidance, mentoring and performance management to personnel at different career stages;

Contribute to the Joint Master’s programme on “The Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security” with the University of Bonn;

Support institutional capacity development by supervising MSc and PhD students and mentoring junior researchers;

Contribute to the implementation of a UNU-EHS PhD programme with the University of Bonn;

Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative team culture.

3. Research Excellence and Knowledge Innovation

Lead and co-author high-quality, peer-reviewed publications and knowledge products in collaboration with other UNU colleagues and international partners;

Together with institute leadership, and where appropriate, in cooperation with Heads of Divisions in the Risk and Adaptation Department, initiate and develop new research areas aligned with UNU’s strategic priorities and emerging global challenges;

Requirements

1) Education and certification

PhD in a relevant academic discipline with a demonstrated research focus on societal transformation processes related to the two divisions, such as sociology, development, psychology, geography, political science, ecological economics, or a closely related discipline.

2) Experience

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in research and academia, some of which preferably in an international setting;

Proven experience with upscaling research results into global agendas and UN frameworks;

Professional experience in programme design and implementation, management, or other forms of application of science to on-the-ground impact;

Proven familiarity working on transformation topics in transdisciplinary contexts, preferably including urban governance and transformation as well as WE related research areas;

Strong track record in the leadership and management of research projects and teams;

Familiarity with multi-method approaches, linking qualitative to quantitative methods;

Familiarity with UN and/or other international institutions and mechanisms;

Strong publication profile in the areas related to societal and urban transformation. Additional publications related to well-being research is an asset;

Strong track record in securing third-party funding and managing multinational third-party funded projects;

Excellent communication skills and interest in publishing research results in different media outlets is required;

Proven experience in teaching on transformation-related topics, experience with coordination of educational programmes is an asset;

Other Desirable Skills: Experience in supervising PhD and MSc students; experience in organizing seminars, and high-level workshops and conferences; experiences in using creative methodologies in research and convening; excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and experience with the German funding system.

3) Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required;

Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset;

Knowledge of German is an asset.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Starting date: 15 February 2027.

How to Apply

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

Apply via the apply link;

fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 25 November 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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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.

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