Research Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past five decades, UNU has been a vital source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with various UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, contributing to the resolution of pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Research Associate position at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) involves contributing to transformation research, theory, and policy development, particularly in the context of urban sustainability transformation. The successful candidate will support the development of strategic approaches and research frameworks, focusing on quantitative and statistical analysis methods. This role also includes contributing to the SAFER-BiH project, which aims to provide actionable knowledge for transformative risk governance related to floods and earthquakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Research Associate will engage in data collection, statistical analysis, and the development of risk indicators, while also co-authoring project outputs and participating in outreach activities. The position requires collaboration with senior staff and project leads to ensure the successful execution of project objectives and the dissemination of findings to diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Associate include:

• Contributing to transformation research, theory, and policy development by supporting the strategic approach to urban sustainability transformation and related research frameworks, with a focus on quantitative and statistical analysis methods.
• Assisting in the SAFER-BiH project by co-creating risk knowledge, developing a spatial risk index for floods and earthquakes, conducting data collection and basic statistical analysis, and supporting capacity-building activities.
• Co-authoring project outputs, preparing scientific and policy publications, and developing materials for presenting project results at conferences.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for proposal writing and strategic engagement, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing funding proposals.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring timely and quality achievement of project objectives and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completed Master’s degree with high academic standing in Geography, Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, or other relevant fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in risk assessment, including index-based approaches and conceptual risk models. A strong methodological skill set in statistical analysis, data management, and quantitative analysis is essential, along with proven experience in interdisciplinary and mixed-method research. Knowledge of transformation research, climate adaptation, and resilience frameworks is desirable, as well as excellent communication and writing skills for both academic and non-academic audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a completed Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Geography, Environmental Science, or Disaster Risk Management. High academic standing is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in the necessary theoretical and practical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of progressively responsible experience in risk assessment, particularly with index-based approaches and conceptual risk models. Candidates should demonstrate strong methodological skills in statistical analysis and data management, as well as experience in interdisciplinary and mixed-method research. Familiarity with project proposal development and knowledge of transformation research, climate adaptation, and resilience frameworks will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and German is required for this position. Additionally, working-level knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a national Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, which offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The position is open to applicants from all countries, and UNU will assist in securing a work visa for Germany if necessary. However, it is a locally recruited post, and no relocation allowances apply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany, and the starting date is as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted by 00:00 CET on the deadline date, and late submissions will not be accepted.