Academic Officer for Migration and Environmental Programme

Dec 12, 2018 | United Nations University
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The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS):

UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, is part of the UNU system, a worldwide network of Research and Training Institutes. Its mission is to advance human security through knowledge-based approaches to reducing vulnerability and environmental risks. For more information, please visit www.ehs.unu.edu.

Programme on Migration and Environment:

UNU-EHS has conducted a successful programme on environmentally induced migration, with a particular focus on climate change. The programme has been influential in bringing the theme to the scientific as well as the policy agenda. Thus far, the research has been conducted with the Programme EMSVA, as part of a larger portfolio. Following a reorganization, the new programme Migration and Environment will continue and extend this research, with a particular focus on the interactions between environmental transformation, socio-economic, cultural and other factors.

Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS / Vice-Rector in Europe the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Successfully build up and manage the new Programme on Migration and Environment with respect to its scientific profile, human resources and budget;
  • Develop a strategy for the Programme, particularly with a focus on the interaction of environmental impacts with socio-economic, cultural and other factors;
  • Fundraise with German as well as international donors for policy relevant topics that also open-up research possibilities for PhD students;
  • Publish research results, together with other researchers at UNU-EHS and beyond, in international peer-reviewed journals and book chapters;
  • Maintain and further develop existing cooperation with UN agencies, the University of Bonn, and other external partners;
  • Contribute to the Joint Master Programme “The Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security” with the University of Bonn;
  • Supervise MSc and PhD students;
  • Represent UNU-EHS at major conferences;
  • Advise the Director of UNU-EHS in institute wide strategic programming as well as day-to-day management;
  • Represent UNU-EHS at the UNU Migration Network and collaborate, as appropriate, with other researchers working on migration at UNU in terms of exploring research synergies, organizing joint events and seeking funding for externally funded projects;
  • Coordinate the UNU Migration Network in the period on a rotational basis with other UNU institutes.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

  • PhD in a relevant academic discipline, including geography, demography, environmental economics, or sociology;
  • At least five years of professional experience in research and academia, some of which preferably in an international setting;
  • Ability to engage well with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies;
  • Excellent leadership and team spirit;
  • Familiarity with UN and/or other international institutions and mechanisms;
  • Strong publication background in the areas related to the Migration and Environment Programme;
  • Successful track record in securing third party funding;
  • Superior communication and didactic skills;
  • Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
  • Fluency in English; German or additional UN working languages are desirable;
  • Experience in supervising PhD and MSc students;
  • Experience in organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Applications from suitably qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged.