Research Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims to address pressing global issues that concern the United Nations and its Member States. Over the past fifty years, UNU has become a significant source of impartial research focusing 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 knowledge that informs policy and fosters positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, enhancing its impact and reach. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Associate at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) involves contributing to transformative research and policy development focused on urban sustainability. The successful candidate will support the development of strategic approaches to urban sustainability transformation, emphasizing quantitative and statistical analysis methods. This role includes linking urban transformation research to broader conceptual frameworks, such as climate change adaptation and resilience building. The Research Associate will conduct desk reviews, analyze data from scientific literature, and contribute to the SAFER-BiH project, which aims to provide actionable knowledge for risk governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The position also entails co-authoring project outputs, engaging in outreach activities, and assisting in proposal writing and strategic engagement with funding sources. The role is integral to advancing UNU-EHS's mission of promoting human security and well-being in the face of environmental hazards and climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Head of the FAST Programme, including:

• Contributing to transformation research and policy development by supporting the strategic approach to urban sustainability transformation and related research frameworks, focusing 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 statistical analysis, and contributing to capacity building and training activities.
• Co-authoring project outputs, preparing scientific and policy publications, and developing materials for presenting project results at conferences.
• Providing administrative support in identifying funding opportunities, preparing funding proposals, and liaising with partners and donors.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring timely and quality achievement of project objectives and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed Master’s degree with high academic standing in Geography, Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, or other relevant fields. Additionally, a minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in risk assessment, including index-based approaches and conceptual risk models, is required. Strong methodological skills in statistical analysis, data management, and quantitative analysis are 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 diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Geography, Environmental Science, Disaster Risk Management, or similar disciplines. 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 a strong methodological skill set 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 mandatory 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 that includes an annual net salary commensurate with 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 locally recruited, and no relocation allowances apply. The duty station is Bonn, Germany, and UNU will assist the successful applicant in securing a work visa if necessary. The starting date is as soon as possible, and applications must be submitted by 00:00 CET on the deadline date.