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

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU‑EHS) conducts research and education on environmental risks, climate change, and human security. The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) houses this job, focusing on climate risk analytics and risk transfer solutions.

Responsibilities

1. Lead research, knowledge management and dissemination on CLIMADA modelling (Loss and Damage, Flood and Drought hazard). This includes driving innovation in modelling approaches, addressing knowledge gaps with innovative, open‑source tools, and coordinating calibration, validation and application of these methods in relevant projects.
2. Act as a bridge between advanced modelling efforts and effective project management. Coordinate integration of modelling outputs into project planning and monitoring, facilitate communication between modelling teams, project managers and external partners, develop tools and workflows to operationalize complex modelling results, and support capacity‑building activities for project teams.
3. Provide substantive support in fundraising and networking activities. Co‑develop new projects, support proposal writing for climate risk and analytics initiatives, and establish and maintain networks with private sector actors, public sector decision‑makers, NGOs, community groups, research institutions and UN organisations.
4. Write publications and contribute to teaching activities. Lead and co‑author scientific publications, supervise MSc thesis on relevant topics and contribute to MSc‑level teaching as required, and represent the organisation at regional and global climate risk events, expert meetings and conferences.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality development of inputs related to climate risk analytics and modelling outputs.
• 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.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – creating an environment of dignity and respect for all.
• Integrity – acting ethically and taking prompt action against breaches of UN standards.
• Humility – demonstrating self‑awareness and willingness to learn.
• Humanity – acting in accordance with the purposes of the United Nations.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate – building positive relationships within One UN.
• Analyse and Plan – using data to understand problems, propose evidence‑based solutions and plan action.
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – holding ourselves accountable for delivering results.
• Learn and Develop – pursuing learning and supporting others’ development.
• Adapt and Innovate – demonstrating flexibility, agility and novel thinking.

Education and Certification

PhD in economics, finance, environmental engineering or related field with climate‑adaptation or hazard‑management background; or MA/MSc in the same fields with comparable experience.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with at least 1 year of directly relevant experience; OR MA/MSc with 5 years of directly relevant research and academia experience in climate‑change adaptation, risk analytics or climate finance.
• Proven research experience in climate risk analytics.
• Strong programming skills in Python or other languages.
• Familiarity with the UN or other international institutions.
• Proven track record of research and scientific publications.
• Strong project‑management skills with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex processes to non‑expert audiences.
• Initiative and interest in expanding quantitative climate risk analysis.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to lead a small team of experts.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in a relevant topic is an asset.
• Experience with CLIMADA/ECA is an asset.
• Understanding or experience in disaster risk reduction, management, and climate‑change adaptation is an asset.
• Experience in proposal writing and methodological framework design for development cooperation is an asset.
• Experience working in developing countries is an asset.

Language Requirements

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

Remuneration

Employment under a national PSA contract with a competitive salary and benefits including 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

EEO Statement

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women and persons with disabilities. Applications from developing countries are strongly encouraged.