Researcher in Climate Risk Analytics

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 source of impartial research on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development, employing hundreds of researchers across 12 countries. The organization focuses on generating policy-relevant knowledge to address pressing global issues, collaborating closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide. More information can be found at http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The position of Researcher in Climate Risk Analytics at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) involves leading research and knowledge management on CLIMADA modeling, which assesses Loss and Damage related to environmental hazards such as floods and droughts. The successful candidate will innovate modeling approaches, coordinate project management, and facilitate communication between modeling teams and project managers. This role also includes fundraising and networking activities, contributing to scientific publications, and teaching at the master's level. The researcher will play a crucial role in enhancing the practical application of climate risk analytics in decision-making processes, ensuring that the outputs align with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination on CLIMADA modeling, focusing on calibration and optimization techniques for assessing Loss and Damage and flood and drought hazards.
• Serve as a bridge between modeling efforts and project management, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Provide substantive support in fundraising and networking activities, co-developing new project activities and establishing networks with relevant stakeholders.
• Write publications and contribute to teaching activities, supervising MSc theses and representing the organization at climate risk events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring timely and quality development of inputs related to climate risk analytics and modeling outputs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a PhD degree or equivalent in economics, finance, environmental engineering, or a related field with a background in climate adaptation and/or hazard management, or a MA/MSc degree with relevant experience. Candidates must have proven research experience in climate risk analytics, strong programming skills in Python or other languages, familiarity with the UN system, and a track record of scientific publications. Strong project management skills and the ability to communicate complex processes to non-expert audiences are essential. Initiative and excellent presentation skills are also required, along with the ability to lead a small team of experts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or a MA/MSc degree with significant experience in climate adaptation and hazard management. A PhD is preferred, particularly for those with a focus on climate risk analytics and related fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of directly relevant experience for PhD holders, or 5 years for those with a MA/MSc degree. Experience in research and academia related to climate change adaptation, risk analytics, and climate finance is essential. Previous work with CLIMADA/ECA and experience in developing countries are considered assets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of German is an asset. Familiarity with another UN official working language is also desirable.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a national Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with an initial duration of 1 year and the possibility for renewal. The position is locally recruited, and no relocation allowances apply. The duty station is Bonn, Germany, and UNU will assist in securing a work visa if necessary. The contract includes an attractive compensation package, 30 days of annual leave, and a health insurance scheme. The mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. Applications are encouraged from all countries, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.