Research Associate (PSA)

Research Associate – Sustainable Resource Nexus

Research Associate will support UNU-FLORES in advancing the Resource Nexus through citizen science embedded in sustainability assessment methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation Development
  • Design, implement, and manage research activities across LCA, LCC, S-LCA, CA, LCSA, embedding citizen science.
  • Plan and execute day‑to‑day research, data analysis, questionnaire design, and case studies.
  • Conduct literature reviews and evaluate research outcomes.
  • Contribute to peer‑review publications, books, and policy briefs; present at conferences.
  • Assist with systematic literature reviews, qualitative analyses, grounded theory, case studies.
  • Address emerging Resource Nexus issues relevant to UN stakeholders.
  • Support grant proposal development and resource mobilization.
• Education & Capacity Development
  • Mentor and supervise 3‑5 master students per year.
  • Co‑supervise doctoral researchers, fellows, scholars, and interns.
  • Contribute to e‑learning and capacity‑building activities.
  • Prepare presentations, tools, and materials for capacity building.
• Governance & Administration
  • Implement administrative regulations and policies related to projects.
  • Identify and apply for funding opportunities; write proposals.
  • Provide timely updates to partners and coordinate stakeholder meetings.
  • Contribute to project deliverables, reports, and dissemination.
  • Oversee and coordinate online tool development.
  • Offer ideas for institutional development.
• Outreach, Advocacy & Impact
  • Maintain stakeholder networks in relevant projects.
  • Represent UNU‑FLORES at conferences and science communication events.
  • Produce outputs for UNU‑FLORES platforms.
  • Engage UN system contacts to align research with policy needs.
  • Publish policy briefs translating research findings.
  • Present research at conferences.
  • Promote Resource Nexus through social media and communication materials.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Research & Innovation Development
  • At least one peer‑reviewed article per annum.
  • One joint research product with a Global South institution annually.
  • At least one new collaboration/region or research topic annually.
  • Regular progress presentations, timely reports, current project information.
• Education & Capacity Development
  • Deliver ≥5 hours of capacity building annually.
  • Submit mandatory plans and reports on time.
  • Co‑supervise or give guest lectures for Master’s students.
• Governance & Administration
  • Enhance UNU‑FLORES reputation as reliable partner.
• Outreach, Advocacy & Impact
  • Maintain at least one active collaboration annually.
  • Contribute to one UN/Member State conference or policy dialogue annually.
  • Organize at least one event with policymakers annually.

Competencies

Values

• Inclusion – create dignified environment for all.
• Integrity – act ethically and report misconduct.
• Humility – show self‑awareness and learning willingness.
• Humanity – pursue UN purposes of peace, dignity, equality.

Behaviours

• Connect and collaborate – build positive relationships.
• Analyse and plan – use diverse data to inform decisions.
• Deliver results – hold accountable for positive impact.
• Learn and develop – pursue own and others’ growth.
• Adapt and innovate – flexibility and novel thinking.

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree in Environmental, Natural, Social, Economic, or Political Sciences, Environmental Ecology, or related field.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 1 year of progressive experience in Citizen Science.
• Experience with LCA software (OpenLCA, SimaPro, LCA for Experts) and databases ecoinvent or Sphera.
• Quantitative data analysis skills.
• Publication record is an asset.
• Experience drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations.
• Basic experience in trans‑interdisciplinary research.
• Strong planning, organization, time‑management; clear communication.
• Initiative, conceptual ability, sound judgment.
• Flexibility and prioritization within timelines.
• Team player with interpersonal skills in multicultural environment.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English – required.
• Fluency in German – desirable.
• Knowledge of another UN official language – asset.

Remuneration

Part‑time (50 %) position, monthly net salary of 1,798 EUR. Benefits include prorated annual leave and health insurance. Contract under Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) until 31 December 2026.

Duration of Contract

PSA contract of 8 months, renewable subject to budget and performance. Total PSA duration with UNU may not exceed six years. Mandatory retirement age 65.

Starting Date

Immediate.

Employment Equity

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious, ethnic background or disability, to apply. The organisation promotes a zero‑tolerance policy on discrimination and harassment.