Research Associate (PSA) United Nations University (UNU)

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority and the direct supervision of the Director of UNU-FLORES, the Research Associate will provide support to UNU-FLORES by performing the following tasks:

• Research and Innovation Development: Design, implement, and manage research activities related to the Resource Nexus; embed Citizen Science throughout Sustainability Assessment within methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), Circularity Assessment (CA), and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA).
• Manage day-to-day research activities from planning to implementation, including support for data analysis, data collection, and the design and analysis of questionnaires and case studies.
• Perform literature reviews and assist in the evaluation and examination of research.
• Contribute to publications and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, books, and policy briefs; actively represent the Institute by presenting papers where appropriate.
• Assist with research studies and management reports based on systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, grounded theory, design science research, and case study research.
• Assist in addressing emerging issues advancing the Resource Nexus that are of interest to the United Nations, its Member States, UNU, and relevant policymakers.
• Support the development of grant proposals and resource mobilization for research activities.

• Education and Capacity Development: Mentor, supervise, and/or provide guidance to students writing their master thesis (approximately 3–5 per year); co-supervise and mentor staff, doctoral researchers, fellows, scholars, and interns; contribute to the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development; prepare presentations, tools and other materials, and support organization of capacity building activities related to the relevant projects.

• Governance and Administration: Support the implementation of administrative regulations and policy framework relevant to respective activities and projects; assist in identifying and applying for funding opportunities; prepare, coordinate and write research proposals; communicate with partners and donors; provide timely updates and responses to partner organizations; organize and contribute to meetings with key stakeholders; contribute to project deliverables and reports, and to dissemination; oversee and coordinate projects and online tools; contribute ideas for institutional development.

• Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact: Maintain networks with stakeholders and research institutes; represent UNU-FLORES at local and international conferences, networking events, and science communication events; prepare outputs for UNU-FLORES platforms; engage with UN system contacts to align research findings with policy needs and facilitate uptake; translate research findings into actionable insights by publishing policy briefs; present findings at conferences; promote the Resource Nexus approach and UNU-FLORES activities through social media and communication materials.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Research and Innovation Development: Successful submission and publication of at least one peer-reviewed article per year; at least one joint research product with academic institutions in the Global South per year; contribution to at least one new collaboration or new research topic per year; consistent progress reporting and up-to-date project information.

• Education and Capacity Development: At least 5 hours of delivered capacity-building initiatives per year; timely submission of mandatory plans and reports; academic development of Master’s students through co-supervision or guest lectures.

• Governance and Administration: Contribute to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.

• Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact: Maintain or participate in at least one active collaboration per year; contribute to at least one UN or Member State organized conference or policy-dialogue per year; contribute to at least one Institute event with participation of policy makers per year.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all within diverse dimensions.
• Integrity — act ethically, upholding UN standards and addressing unprofessional conduct.
• Humility — show self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity — act according to UN purposes: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships to advance UN work and operate as One UN.
• Analyse and plan — use data to understand problems, inform decisions, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action.
• Deliver results with positive impact — be accountable for delivering results and making a difference for the UN’s causes.
• Learn and develop — pursue personal development and contribute to others’ learning.
• Adapt and innovate — think and act with flexibility and creativity.

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

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

2) Required skills and experience

• At least one year of relevant experience related to Citizen Science.
• Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software solutions such as open LCA, SimaPro, LCA for Experts or similar software; familiarity with ecoinvent or Sphera databases.
• Proven experience in quantitative data analysis (e.g., statistics).
• Record of publications is an asset; experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required.
• Basic experience in conducting trans-/interdisciplinary research and interactions with authorities and stakeholders.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills; ability to communicate clearly in diverse contexts (academia, UN system).
• Demonstrates initiative, conceptual ability and sound judgment; adaptable to priorities and deadlines; strong team player with intercultural sensitivity.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required; fluency in German is desirable; knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. The duration aligns with a third-party-funded project and will run until 31 December 2026. This is a part-time position (50%) with a monthly net salary of 1,798 EUR; benefits include prorated annual leave and health insurance. UNU is not liable for taxes on remuneration; payment of taxes remains the responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the contract is 8 months. This is a PSA contract with UNU, with possible renewal subject to requirements, budget, and performance. The combined duration on a PSA with UNU may not exceed six years. The mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

Immediate