Adjunct Professor/Researcher on the Resource Nexus (Roster)

About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU Resource Nexus)

UNU Resource Nexus is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Resource Nexus develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, material, biota, climate, and space, as well as food, waste, and energy on land and sea, that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden and Weißwasser, Germany, the Institute engages in research and innovation development, education and capacity development as well as outreach, advocacy and impact to advance the Resource Nexus. For more information, please visit UNU Resource Nexus | United Nations University.

Adjunct Professor/ Researchers at UNU Resource Nexus

UNU Resource Nexus invites applications from highly motivated and committed local and international academics and experts with relevant experience in the field of the integrated management of environmental resources, who are available for short-term assignments/projects on the Resource Nexus, and who wish to support the Research and Innovation Development, Education and Capacity Development, Outreach, Advocacy and Impact of the Institute.

Academics and experts applying to the roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. They can be available rapidly and go through an expedited contractual process. Experts joining this roster are also invited to actively apply to other vacancy announcements posted on our website. Selected candidates holding the Professor title shall be considered as an Adjunct Professor, those not holding this title shall be considered as Adjunct Researcher. This is an unpaid Academic Affiliation Agreement (AAA) that offers the opportunity to access the UNU resources, link to the UN system and opportunities for Joint research projects, publications and outreach activities.

Successful candidate will additionally have the opportunity to complete potential specific deliverables that are remunerated and independent of the Academic Affiliation Agreement.

The following indicates a generic terms of collaboration. UNU Resource Nexus may select candidates from the roster once there is a suitable opportunity in the future and a more specific description of the terms will then be shared.

Responsibilities

Under the authority and supervision of the Director of UNU Resource Nexus and in close collaboration with the academic team at the Institute, the successful candidate will contribute to:

• Research activities and innovation in the field of the Resource Nexus carried out by the Institute in collaboration with junior and senior researchers;

• Activities related to budget funding and fundraising;

• Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and policy briefs;

• Policy analysis and advise on capacity development and governance issues relevant to the integrated resources management;

• The ongoing work of UNU Resource Nexus such as lecture series, and institutional meetings, and other activities;

• UNU Resource Nexus’ research capabilities, expansion of partnerships, and increase of UNU Resource Nexus presence, visibility, and impact;

• Other activities relevant for UNU Resource Nexus’ core mission to advance the Resource Nexus for all environmental resources: water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies.

Competencies

Values:

Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

• A PhD related to the integrated management of environmental resources;

• A minimum of five years of post-PhD research experience;

• Track record of research publications in areas related to integrated resources management;

• Proficiency in English, both in oral and written communications, and knowledge of German would be highly beneficial;

• Highly self-motivated, innovative, and organised, yet detail-oriented, with a professional and conscientious attitude with the ability to independently prioritise;
  

• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;

• Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;

• An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Duration of contract

The successful candidate will be retained under an Academic Affiliation Agreement and/or Consultant Contract (CTC).

Academic Affiliation Agreements (AAA) are possible for a period initially up to 12 months, with an option of subsequent extension.

Consultant Contract (CTC) are possible for a period initially up to 12 months. Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for longer than twenty-four (24) months within a thirty-six (36) month period.

Proposed payment schedule
For Academic Affiliation Agreements (AAA):

• No compensation shall be paid to the Academic Affiliates for the activities carried under the Academic Affiliation Agreement (AAA).

For Consultancy contracts: 

• Payment will be made based on the completion of specified deliverables. Remuneration will be commensurate with the qualification and experience of the successful candidate. 

• Employment on a CTC contract of former UNU staff members who receive a pension from the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund is subject to restrictions, pursuant to applicable administrative issuances of the United Nations.

• UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of the contractor.

• UNU Resource Nexus is not responsible for any health insurance arrangements. These contracts carry no entitlement to annual leave or sick leave.
  

Travel Considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will cover applicable travel costs. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

How to Apply:

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• fill out the UNU P11 form (please do not use similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: open.

Selection process

Candidates will be evaluated according to the following process:

Stage 1: Establishing a Roster

• All applicants will be screened against the minimum requirements specified above for inclusion on a long list.

• Long-listed applicants will be evaluated through a desk review and/or interview against the following criteria based on evidence in the submitted application:
  o academic qualifications;
  o relevant professional experience; and 
  o demonstrated competencies.

• Successful candidates will be included in the UNU Resource Nexus Roster for a period of 2 years.

Stage 2: Contracting

When a potential collaboration opportunity arises, Human Resources will contact relevant individual(s) with the terms, location, and dates of the collaboration seeking confirmation of availability.

Special Notice

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Scam warning

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