About United Nations University (UNU)

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

About United Nations University – International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building.

The Communication Team collaborates closely with researchers and the Office of the Director to enhance the institute’s positioning and ensure the visibility of its work and outputs. A key aspect of this role is to strategically communicate the institute’s achievements and insights, ensuring that they reach the appropriate audiences with the most impactful messages. This, in turn, helps to sustain the institute’s reputation as a trusted think tank and authoritative advisor on advancing equity in global health.

Consultancies at UNU-IIGH
Under the authority of the Director and the supervision of the Policy Research Lead for Climate Justice and Health, the consultant role will be to support the implementation of the Work Package on Climate Justice and Health. More specifically, the consultant tasks will be the following;

Terms of reference

1. To conduct a scoping literature review on climate justice and health equity. The aim is to unpack the different, contextualized perspectives and approaches on climate justice and equity-oriented policy pathways; and

2. To conduct a stakeholder and research landscape mapping review on epistemic justice in climate and health research. This review contributes to the WHO project on Operationalizing Epistemic justice in South-East Asia Climate and Health Research Agenda.

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

Qualifications

• A minimum of PhD degree in a related field.

Experience and other requirements:
Required:

• Minimum three (3) years of progressive research and practical experience in social science approaches concerning climate and health
• Demonstrated experience in translating ethical questions into research and policy outputs
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders on climate, health and justice matters

Preferred:

• Experience collaborating with civil society organizations (CSO) and academic organizations
• Fluency in English is required
  

Duration of assignment

The contract is expected to last approximately four (4) months, depending on the completion of the above tasks.

Expected Deliverables

1. Study and methodological outline for the 2 reviews – 01 May 2025

2. Literature review (draft article) unpacking climate justice and health equity perspectives – 01 July 2025

3. Literature review (draft article) on the stakeholder and research landscape for epistemic justice in climate and health (SEA-region) – 01 Aug 2025.

As full consideration for the services performed by the Consultant under the terms of this contract, the United Nations University shall pay the Consultant upon certification that the services have been satisfactorily performed. The fee is payable on satisfactory completion of the contract. For payment in installments, certification of satisfactory performance at each phase is required.

Duration and remuneration
General conditions of contracts for the service of consultants apply. Consultants will not hold international civil service status nor be a ‘staff member’ as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. The services of a consultant shall be limited to twenty-four months of accrued service within a period of thirty-six calendar months.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and based on a daily rate to be submitted as part of the application procedure. This contract carries no entitlement to paid annual leave nor sick leave.

Starting Date

As soon as possible

How to Apply:

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

• Apply via the link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using 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

2 April 2025 (MYT 11.59 pm). Late entries will not be accepted.

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. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

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.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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