United Nations University Objectives:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visithttp://unu.edu.
United Nations University-Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS):
UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.
Context
The position is split between the two sections on Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) and Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management and Adaptive Planning (VARMAP).
EVES conducts original, policy relevant research addressing the vulnerability and resilience of social-ecological systems, where the concept of ecosystem services is of central importance. Specifically, EVES aims to understand how social-ecological systems are affected by diverse environmental hazards such as water and land degradation, floods, and droughts as well as how ecosystems can support disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Besides original research, the section advocates for ecosystem-based solutions, for example, through engagement in the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR). In the frame of the DELTAS project, EVES seeks to develop a Global Delta Vulnerability Index (GDVI) and works in the Mekong, Amazon and Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna deltas.
VARMAP develops and applies conceptual frameworks and scientific methods to assess socio-economic vulnerability and risk in the context of natural hazards, environmental change and societal transformation. The section explores opportunities to reduce risks and to evaluate competing adaptation options. The section has a strong focus on urban areas and rural-urban linkages and is particularly interested in the trends in vulnerability and adaptive capacity as societies undergo wider cultural, economic, demographic and political transformation. VARMAP convenes an interdisciplinary team and has a wide network of scientific and practical partners. It draws on a mixed methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative tools for the analysis. The section combines a global focus with clusters of specific regional expertise, notably in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, West Africa and Europe.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the supervision of the Head of the Environmental Vulnerability & Ecosystem Services (EVES) section and the Head of the Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management & Adaptive Planning (VARMAP) section, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
- Conduct the analysis of secondary and primary data using descriptive, bi- and multivariate statistical methods including regression models;
- Set-up and run GIS projects for the integrated geo-spatial analysis and visualization of spatial as well as other statistical data related to risk and vulnerability;
- Conduct data mining at global and national providers of socio-economic and environmental statistical data and base data for GIS applications;
- Perform data cleaning, quality checks, processing and systemization of secondary statistical data as well primary data gathered in household surveys;
- Provide technical support and guidance to the development and calculation of vulnerability and risk indices;
- Support the sections for any statistical and spatial analysis necessary for relevant projects;
- Support the supervision of PhD and M.Sc. students with regards to training and advice in the field of statistical and geo-spatial methods;
- Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements:
- Masters or higher degree, in Geosciences, Geographical Information Systems, Statistics, Geography, Spatial Planning, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management or other relevant discipline;
- Minimum one (1) year of relevant working experience;
- Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS (especially spatial analyst);
- Advanced statistical skills and experience with statistical software packages (preferably SPSS);
- Advanced skills in the design and layout of maps and other graphs to illustrate research results in vector-based graphics environments (e.g. Adobe Illustrator or InDesign);
- Excellent skills to explain and communicate statistical knowledge to non-experts;
- Experience with agent based modeling is an asset;
- Track-record in scientific writing is an asset;
- Strong ability to carry out work independently;
- Excellent communication skills with fluency in oral and written English is required;
- Good team player with ability to work in international and intercultural environment; experience in international organizations would be an advantage;
- Excellent time management skills;
- Takes initiatives and has flexible attitude to work, as appropriate;
- German language skills and a track-record in German academic writing are additional assets.
Contract and Remuneration:
This is a full-time employment on a twelve (12) months Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with possibility for renewal subject to satisfactory work performance and availability of funds, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years. Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Starting date:As soon as possible
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail to (hrbonn@vie.unu.edu), and must include the following:
· a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
· a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from UNU Bonn website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
· an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement 2015/UNU/EHS/PSA/RA/25.
