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 http://unu.edu

United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE)

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships - particularly with the Global South - and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: https://unu.edu/vie.

Pan-African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET)

Focused on improving livelihoods towards self-sufficiency and equality in the Global South, the Pan-African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) division aims to advance emerging solutions through innovative research, the incubation of solutions and the promotion of strategic responses in line with Global South agendas and UN priorities.

The division's research focuses on three main pillars. The first concerns the Agri-food systems innovation which examines how the development and adoption of improved agricultural practices, technologies and ways of organizing within the agri-food sector can enhance productivity, resource efficiency, system resilience, adaptation, market opportunities and environmental sustainability. Within the second working pillar on Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship the division contributes to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, linking youth and women with climate finance and supporting them to create innovative solutions to address local challenges through business/start-up development, job creation and leapfrogging green sectors. The third pillar on Educational Technology seeks to empowers and capacitates youth, innovators and entrepreneurs, communities and practitioners by leveraging digital and educational technologies through co-designed practical learning experiences and applied research in training methodologies.

PACET aims to inform the policy and action of UN organizations and Member States, and provides pilot models of innovative solutions developed jointly with universities, the private sector and civil society actors. This helps to strengthen policymaking and implementation in line with PACET's research priorities while creating equitable partnerships with stakeholders worldwide.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Vice-Rector in Europe and the direct supervision of the Head of the PACET Department, the successful candidate will principally be responsible for the following tasks:

• 
  Research and Scientific Activities

• Contribute to and conduct research on energy systems, innovations, and policies in agri-food systems innovation, with a focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, sustainable agricultural practices and compound hazards and risks in advancing energy and food security;
• Analyze energy-related transformations within agri-food systems innovation, mainstream cross-sector perspectives into national strategies, and leverage mapping tools to assess opportunities and inform policy makers;
• Assist to develop the division’s agri-food systems innovation thematic area framework, positioning renewable energy as an enabler within the framework;
• Support to conceptualize and design new research projects, including literature reviews, research hypotheses, project proposals, and methodologies;
• Draft and publish scientific papers, book chapters, policy briefs, and other research outputs for academic, policy, and practitioner audiences;
• Provide input into global discussions on energy policy in agri-food systems innovation through workshops, conferences, and seminars;
• Contribute to develop energy-focused project proposals in response to funding calls, ensuring alignment with UNU-VIE’s strategic objectives.

2. Project Management

• Assist to coordinate ongoing research projects, ensuring that objectives, timelines, and budgetary requirements are met;
• Assist to coordinate and implement research activities, ensuring smooth collaboration amongst team members and external partners;
• Track and report progress on project deliverables, ensuring timely preparation of financial and technical reports for donors and stakeholders;
• Identify new research opportunities and contribute to the strategic direction of energy research in agri-food systems.

3. Supervision and Mentoring

• Assist postgraduate students, junior researchers, and assistants, providing guidance on research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing;
• Support the review of research outputs to ensure alignment with overall research goals and adherence to academic standards;
• Support the professional development of students by encouraging their engagement with relevant energy and agri-food systems innovation research networks.

4. Networking and Knowledge Dissemination

• Contribute to building and maintaining professional networks with academic, policy, and industry stakeholders to support energy research in agri-food systems innovation;
• Support UNU-VIE’s participation in global energy policy discussions and academic conferences, sharing expertise and fostering collaborations;
• Support engagement with external partners and institutions to help enhance the impact of research findings and promote knowledge exchange.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality delivery of research results and publications
• Timely and quality support for reporting and management of the PACET division projects and initiatives
• Quality and level of engagement with division team, partners and stakeholders
• Quality of innovative research design for the acquisition of scientific projects

Competencies

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, 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

1) Education and certification:

Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Renewable Energy, Agri-food Systems, Sustainability, or a related field.

2) Required skills and experience:

• At least one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience in project management and energy research, particularly in the context of agri-food systems innovation, Water Energy and Food Nexus, energy policy, climate risk assessment or sustainable development, preferably in the Global South; More than five (5) years of experience would be an advantage;
• Experience assisting in managing research budgets, supporting the development of project proposals and contributing to securing funding;
• Experience assisting in supervision and mentoring of students and junior researchers;
• Expertise in energy systems, renewable energy solutions, and their application in agri-food systems or in nexus approaches;
• Strong research skills including drafting technical reports and policy papers;
• Demonstrated ability to support on multiple research projects and meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented and capable to work autonomously in a dynamic environment;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong collaborative experience in interdisciplinary research environment;
• Demonstrate ability to proactively identify opportunities for fund raising, new projects, and networking.

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Experience working in international, multicultural and multi-disciplinary research teams and setting;
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills;
• Experience in the planning, organizing and documenting events, conferences, and strategic meetings;
• Public speaking/presentation as well as moderation skills;
• Knowledge and experience of processes and procedures of United Nations agencies or international organizations.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official working language 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 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

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• 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.

Application Deadline

18 August 2025

Submissions must be received by [time, timezone] 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 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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