Research Associate (75%, 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

UNU‑EHS is one of 13 research and training institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. 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 work, UNU‑EHS offers education opportunities at the master's level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity‑development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU‑EHS can be found here:

Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) Division

In 2019 UNU‑EHS and Eurac Research initiated a new joint research programme. The Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) programme combines the scientific profiles and capacities of both institutions. It seeks to increase the resilience of mountain communities towards natural and man‑made hazards and disaster risks, to protect the wealth of biological and cultural diversity, and to support the sustainable development of these highly sensitive social‑ecological systems. The GLOMOS mission is to turn science into action by strengthening solution‑oriented and innovative management of disaster risks in mountains through an integrative approach fostering transdisciplinary research and technology transfer. The GLOMOS programme provides a bridge between science and global conventions: the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Paris Climate Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals. GLOMOS activities comprise research for and in mountain regions worldwide – from the global to the local level – as well as campaigning work for a larger recognition of mountain issues in global policies, initiatives and finance schemes. The GLOMOS programme has two offices, one at UNU‑EHS at the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany and one in the premises of Eurac Research in Bolzano, Italy. The duty station for the announced position is Bonn.

TRANSMIT

The Transboundary approaches to sustainable forest management for enhancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risk in the Himalayas (TRANSMIT) project aims to contribute to the sustainable management of mountain forests in the Western Himalayas in the context of climate and land use change through evidence‑based decision‑making with local stakeholders and informing policy making at provincial and national scale. Focusing on the Mahakali/Sharda Basin in Western Nepal and north‑western India, the project works with local stakeholders to generate evidence‑based insights that support climate‑resilient forest practices and inform policy development at provincial and national levels.

Responsibilities

• Science and Research
• Develop and refine research questions aligned with the project objectives.
• Conduct literature reviews on climate trends, forest dynamics, forest fires and other disaster risks in mountain ecosystems.
• Design and implement mixed‑methods research, including climate data analysis, remote sensing, GIS assessments, and community‑level surveys.
• Examine interactions between climate variability, natural hazard events, and forest dynamics.
• Conduct community‑level vulnerability assessments using PRA tools, surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Data Management
• Compile, clean, and maintain datasets generated through project activities.
• Ensure data integrity, ethical handling of sensitive information, and compliance with the project's data management plan.
• Scholarly Outputs and Scientific Communication
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and scientific reports.
• Present results at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, outreach materials, and digital resources.
• Project Management and Reporting
• Prepare periodic summaries of project activities, including progress reports, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Support coordination and communication among project partners in Nepal, India, and Germany, including participation in regular meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Key Performance Indicators
• Successful planning and execution of all scheduled fieldwork activities.
• Timely and quality delivery of research results and respective publications.
• Timely and quality support for project reporting and management.
• Timely and quality management of project datasets.

Competencies

• 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.

Education and Certification

Master's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of GLOMOS and the TRANSMIT project that qualifies the candidate for doctoral admission at German or other internationally recognized universities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Familiarity with a diverse range of scientific methods and associated software relevant for scientific activities in mountain regions.
• Strong communication skills, including academic writing and the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multi‑country project team.
• Willingness and capability of travelling and working in mountainous, higher altitude regions.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• One (1) year of relevant professional or research experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a PhD is considered an asset.
• Previous research experience in mountain ecosystems, forest management, climate change impacts and/or disaster risk reduction.
• Previous experience related to scientific project/programme support or implementation.
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis using statistical software or programming languages such as R, Python or similar tools.
• Field research experience, preferably in natural resource management, climate impacts, community‑based research, or related fields.
• Knowledge of South Asian environmental or socio‑ecological systems, particularly the Himalayan region.
• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English is required.
• Good knowledge of Nepali, Hindi or other languages spoken in the project location is a strong asset.
• Good knowledge in any additional language, especially German, 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 a 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

• 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.

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

• Apply via the apply link.

Application Deadline

31 March 2026. Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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 a 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.

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