Project Associate - Climate Analytics (PSA3)

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 other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, emphasizing its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position within the United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) is designed to support the Climate Risk Analytics team, which manages a portfolio of projects aimed at improving the understanding of climate risk and informing decision-making processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research, analysis, and contributing to project deliverables related to the Biofincas project. This role requires a strong ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, support project implementation, and engage with stakeholders effectively. The Project Associate will also assist in the preparation of workshops, capacity-building activities, and stakeholder engagement events, ensuring that all project components are executed in alignment with established work plans and timelines. Additionally, the role involves identifying funding opportunities and assisting in proposal development, making it crucial for the candidate to have a solid understanding of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include: conducting desk research, literature reviews, and data collection relevant to the Biofincas project; compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative information; contributing to the drafting and preparation of reports and research outputs; preparing visual materials such as graphics and maps; supporting the tracking and follow-up of project activities; participating in meetings with project partners and documenting key decisions; coordinating workshops and capacity-building activities; maintaining stakeholder contact lists and project documentation; identifying funding opportunities and assisting in proposal development; contributing to cross-cutting themes such as gender and agriculture; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid understanding of disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and related issues. They should demonstrate strong abilities in conducting desk research, literature reviews, and qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as synthesizing information into technical reports and project deliverables. Proven experience in supporting workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities, including logistical and administrative tasks, is essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with organizational and interpersonal skills, are required to work effectively with diverse teams and external partners.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, natural resource management, environmental engineering, geography, ecology, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate risk and environmental challenges that the Project Associate will be addressing.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of progressively responsible experience in supporting project coordination, preferably in an international setting. Experience with programming, GIS tools for spatial analysis, data visualization, and familiarity with CLIMADA/ECA is considered an asset. Additionally, experience contributing to technical reports, research outputs, project proposals, or donor reporting is beneficial, as is work experience in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of German is considered an asset, and proficiency in another UN official working language is also advantageous, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

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 the candidate's 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 project requirements. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years, and the mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. This position is open to applicants from all countries, and UNU will assist the successful applicant 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, with a starting date as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 CET on the deadline date, and late submissions will not be accepted. The evaluation process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.