Research Associate (PSA-3)

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 UNU-EHS is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-EHS The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research activities, UNU-EHS offers educational opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues related to environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs. Well-being and Equity (WE) Division “Well-being and Equity (WE)” is a pioneering science-to-policy research area of the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). WE aspires towards a holistic assessment of the preconditions for well-being, sustainability and equity, including leveraging on different knowledge systems that go beyond current predominantly monetary assessments. To transform towards a WE society, this emerging initiative intends to bring together a broad range of interdisciplinary scientific expertise and diverse knowledge necessary to understand the interface between well-being, sustainability and equity. The division aims to develop holistic data and policy models to weigh all dimensions of well-being, sustainability and equity for decision makers; leverage change towards a sustainable and equitable society focusing on well-being and to develop a compelling narrative for a holistic framework. . Responsibilities Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Academic Officer (Head of FAST), the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks: 1. Contribute to transformation research and theory building on Well-being and Equity - Contribute to the development of research frameworks supporting the strategic approach of WE and UNU-EHS’ Transformation Department; - Contribute to advancing innovative research topics including, but not limited to GDP discourse, alternative socio-ecological models and approaches for assessing well-being and equity; - Contribute to theory and policy development, including identifying linkages to risk, adaptation, and transformation research and related frameworks to actively build connections to other divisions within UNU-EHS; - Support the design, review, and application of qualitative, quantitative, and creative research methodologies for transformative research on well-being and equity. 2. Contribute to strategic engagement and proposal writing - Support the establishment and development of the Well-being Alliance for Research, Policy and Practice through the coordination of assigned activities, meetings and events, and by engaging stakeholders and partners to strengthen the division's global network; Assist senior staff in identifying and evaluating funding opportunities from various sources and in compiling and maintaining information on funding trends, donor priorities, and emerging opportunities; - Contribute to and support the Head of Division and/or PI in the preparation and drafting of project proposals to different donors and partners, liaising with partners and consortium set-up; - Contribute to the implementation of new projects by performing assigned research and reporting as needed. 3. Advance academic profile - Identify and develop a PhD topic within the field of well-being and equity in consultation with the supervisor; - Develop the related methodology in consultation with the supervisor; - Enroll in the doctoral program currently being established by University of Bonn and UNU-EHS; - Develop and carry out PhD research activities in agreement with the supervisors; - Participate in doctoral training, coursework, seminars and relevant capacity-building activities as required by the division. 4. Project acquisition and Proposal Development Activities - Identify and screen relevant funding opportunities and call for proposals aligned with the established areas of work; - Assist in the preparation and drafting of selected sections of project proposals and other funding-related materials; - Support communication and follow-up with donors and relevant counterparts regarding requirements, processes and application procedures. 5. Contribute to scholarly and policy outputs and engage in scientific communication related to core research areas Cross-cutting Thematic Support - Lead the preparation of scientific publications required for the completion of the PhD and draft or contribute to peer-reviewed journals, scientific reports and other research outputs; - Support the presentation of project results at scientific and policy-relevant conferences and present own findings in events geared towards young scientists; - Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, outreach materials, and digital resources. 6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s) Key Performance Indicators - Timely and high-quality delivery of assigned research activities and respective publications. - Timely and high-quality achievement of PhD milestones according to the requirements - Contribute to project, institute and UNU mission - UNU and WE division are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by partners and donors 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.