United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, 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 the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

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.

The Education Unit leads the Institute’s coordination of educational and capacity building activities as well as the development of educational partnerships and networks. It notably manages all processes related to the international Joint MSc Programme “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security” with the University of Bonn, Department of Geography (GIUB) as well as its scholarship programme under EPOS, a postgraduate development focused funding scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange (DAAD). It is also responsible for organizing and managing the processes related to the internal staff capacity building and training and the institutional internship programmes.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the guidance and supervision of Head of Education Division, the appointee is entrusted with the following responsibilities:

1. Educational Programme Coordination

• Dissemination of calls for Joint Master’s programme, coordination of annual application process incl. review of related resources, communication with prospective applicants, as well as filing and formal pre-screening of applications;
• Guidance of the selection process incl. preparation of expert assessments, interviews, related documentation, and preparation of the DAAD EPOS scholarship awarding process;
• Assistance and consultation of the scholars and students in visa-, accommodation-, enrolment- and orientation-, official and other related matters;
• Counselling in all administrative matters pertaining to the participants’ study completion;
• Close follow up and support for scholars in processes related to EPOS programme requirements;
• Facilitation of recurring study orientation events and accompaniment of scholars’ study conduct.

2. Course Management and Examination

• Support of UNU lecturers with regards to course planning, communication, evaluation and examination processes;
• Support and further develop the use of media and digital tools for UNU-EHS educational programmes and activities;
• Follow up with Uni Bonn, Department of Geography (GIUB) Examination office on Programme Examination related topics (registrations for exams, reporting);
• Facilitation of the collaborative JM12 Master Colloquium.

3. Reporting & Statistics, Accounting

• Keeping of statistical data and performance indicators required by the programme management, UNU HQ or for publications;
• Contributing to compilation of annual reports (esp. DAAD, donors);
• Support the monitoring of budgets (e.g. scholarships, UNU semester contributions) incl. communication with relevant actors (Finance Department, Uni Bonn “Drittmittelabteilung”);
• Contribute to Quality management and reporting processes (internal and external).

4. Collaboration and supervision

• Fostering mutual support and collaboration with Education Assistant;
• Supporting the recruitment and supervision of student assistants and interns at the UNU-EHS’ Education Division.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Successful planning, organization and coordination of educational and capacity building activities;

• Quality and accessibility of resources of learning materials;
• Development of and access to Educational and capacity building offer including innovative formats, media and tools;
• High level and accuracy in managing and reporting data for educational/Capacity building programmes and activities;
• Quality and level of engagement with all educational partners.

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

1) Education and certification

• Completed high school diploma;

• University degree (Bachelor’s /Master’s) in a relevant field, e.g. Education Management, Social/Natural sciences, Business Administration, or Communication would be desired.

2) Required skills and experience

Required:

• High school diploma with 5 years of relevant work experience in the field of higher education and educational programme management.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• Proven experience with drafting and contributing to institutional reports and maintaining programme statistics;
• Very good command of the main programmes of the Microsoft Office work package;
• Previous experience in working in a multi-cultural environment; sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Desired:

• Previous responsibility for coordinating educational programmes/projects;
• Previous experience with workshop facilitation;
• Previous working experience with media and digital educational programmes and tools;
• Strong ability to multitask in a small team, work autonomously, establish priorities and handle pressure.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required
• Working level (minimum B2 level) of German is required
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

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 PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years. This post is open to applicants from all countries and UNU will aid the
successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary. It is, however, a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances
apply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany.

Starting date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

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

• 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);
• provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
• apply via the apply link.

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

Application Deadline

12 December 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector’s authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. 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. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. 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. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

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.

Scam Warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.