Associate Academic Officer: Risk Modelling - Loss and Damage (PSA-6)

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU‑EHS)

UNU‑EHS is one of 13 research and training institutes within the United Nations University system. The Institute, established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany, conducts research and training focused on human security and environmental risk management, and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity‑development courses.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, knowledge management and dissemination on CLIMADA modelling (Loss and Damage, Flood and Drought hazard)
• Drive innovation in modelling approaches for Loss and Damage, with a particular focus on calibration and optimisation techniques
• Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination activities on CLIMADA modelling for assessing Loss and Damage, and flood and drought hazards
• Address existing knowledge gaps in quantifying basic needs through the development and application of innovative, open‑source, and open‑data modelling tools, including advanced calibration and optimisation methods
• Coordinate the calibration, validation, and application of these methods in relevant projects, ensuring rigorous optimisation for context‑specific use cases
• Serve as a bridge between modelling efforts and project management
• Act as a link between advanced modelling efforts and effective project management to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs
• Coordinate the integration of modelling outputs (e.g., Loss and Damage estimates, flood and drought hazard assessments, risk transfer modules, displaced population) into project planning, implementation and monitoring processes
• Facilitate communication and knowledge exchange between modelling teams, project managers and external partners to enhance the practical application of modelling results
• Support the design and management of projects that rely on calibrated and optimised models, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance for decision‑making
• Develop tools, workflows and guidance to operationalise complex modelling results into project cycles, with an emphasis on open‑source and reproducible approaches
• Support capacity‑building activities for project teams to strengthen understanding and use of modelling tools in project contexts
• Provide substantive support in fundraising and networking activities
• Co‑develop new project activities for UNU‑EHS in the context of climate risk analytics and other relevant topics
• Provide effective support to the Climate Risk Analytics team in proposal writing related to climate risk and analytics
• Establish and maintain networks with relevant stakeholders, including private sector actors, public sector decision‑makers, NGOs, community‑based groups, research institutions and other UN organisations
• Write publications and contribute to teaching activities
• Lead and contribute to the writing and (co‑)authoring of scientific publications and research papers
• Supervise MSc thesis on relevant topics and contribute to MSc‑level teaching as required
• Represent the organisation at regional and global climate risk events, expert meetings and conferences
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality development of inputs related to the climate risk analytics and modelling outputs (including CLIMADA related work)
• Contribution to peer‑reviewed publications, reports and knowledge products in line with UNU‑EHS research objectives
• Meaningful contribution to proposal development, fundraising efforts and donor engagement

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, language, nationality or other aspects 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

• PhD degree or equivalent in a related field with a minimum of 1 year directly relevant experience; or MA/MSc degree or equivalent with 5 years directly relevant experience in research and academia in the area of climate change adaptation in the context of risk analytics, climate finance or similar
• Proven research experience in fields related to climate risk analytics
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or other programming languages
• Familiarity with the UN and/or other international institutions
• Proven track record in research and scientific publications
• Strong project management skills with a broad range of stakeholders
• Ability to explain complex processes (e.g. modelling, data requirement, scenarios) to non‑expert audiences in a clear manner
• Initiator with an interest to professionally expand into new ways of applying and disseminating quantitative climate risk analysis and climate finance
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Ability to lead a small team of experts

Desired Qualifications And Experience

• A PhD in a relevant topic is an asset
• Previous experience working with CLIMADA/ECA is an asset
• A good understanding and/or experience in technical and organisational disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation is an asset
• Experience in proposal writing and design of methodological frameworks in the context of development cooperation and in coordinating with a broad range of actors is an asset
• Work experience in developing countries is an asset

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of German is an asset
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. The compensation package includes an annual net salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme. Tax obligations under the contract are the sole responsibility of the holder.

Contract Details

Initial contract duration: 1 year. The contract may be renewed under the terms of a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) with UNU, with a maximum cumulative duration of six (6) years. The position is open to applicants from all countries. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany. Successful candidates will be assisted by UNU in securing a work visa if required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people from developing countries and those from diverse gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged. Applicants with disabilities are welcome.