UNU-EHS is seeking an Associate Academic Officer (P2) to join the Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation (FAST) division

(UNU-EHS) Associate Academic Officer (FTA-IP, P2)
On-site | Bonn, Germany | United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025, 23:59 CET
Contract: Fixed-Term, Full-Time (Initial 1 year, renewable)

Position Summary

UNU-EHS is seeking an Associate Academic Officer to join the Urban Futures and Sustainability Transformation (FAST) division. This role is ideal for a mid-career researcher with expertise in urban sustainability, risk and transformation, and a strong interest in contributing to policy-relevant, systems-based research focused on environmental risks, behavioral change, and adaptive pathways.

You’ll lead and support cutting-edge research initiatives, including co-creating flood adaptation strategies in Vietnam, evaluating risk-informed planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and analyzing climate change attitudes in Bonn. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy, and capacity building in a global UN research environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research on Behavioral Change and Systemic Transformation

• Advance research on mindset shifts and behavioral drivers for sustainability.
• Contribute to developing multi-method assessments tracking transformation.
• Engage in conceptual and applied research linking risk, adaptation, and transformative resilience.
• Support the FAST division in shaping a strategic research agenda.

2. Project-Specific Responsibilities

• SAFER-BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Co-create risk models and spatial risk indices (floods, earthquakes).
• Bonn Climate Attitudes Survey: Analyze qualitative and quantitative survey data; co-author policy briefs.
• TUC Project: Support mindset survey implementation and impact assessment in urban labs.
• Cross-Cutting: Draw insights across projects to shape future research directions.

3. Lead Work Package in FloodAdaptVN

• Coordinate the visioning and adaptation pathway development for Hue City, Vietnam.
• Support local stakeholders in co-designing future flood resilience scenarios.
• Ensure policy uptake of project outcomes and contribute to training efforts.
• Assist in day-to-day project coordination, budget monitoring, and reporting.

4. Engagement, Outreach, and Impact

• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including developing proposals with national and international donors.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and support public communication efforts.
• Represent UNU-EHS in global forums (e.g., COP, World Urban Forum).
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to UNU policy outputs.

5. Teaching and Capacity Building

• Teach in the joint master’s programme with the University of Bonn.
• Co-develop microlearning and online learning content.
• Supervise master’s students, interns, and research assistants.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s (required) or PhD (preferred) in Geography, Social Science, or a related discipline, with a focus on urban issues, adaptation, or environmental risks.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years (4+ preferred) of research in risk, adaptation, or transformation.
  • Experience with risk perception, vulnerability indexing, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
  • Track record of academic publishing and contribution to policy outputs.
  • Experience in teaching, training, or curriculum development is an asset.
  • Previous work in developing contexts (especially Vietnam) is highly desirable.
• Languages:
  • Fluency in English (required).
  • German and Vietnamese are assets.
  • Knowledge of another UN language is advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal).
• Collaborative and culturally sensitive team player.
• Proactive project coordination and donor engagement.
• Familiarity with UN or international research systems is a plus.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive UN salary (P2 level, tax-exempt).
• 30 days annual leave, pension contributions, and health insurance.
• Dependent allowances and relocation support (as applicable).
• Contract is renewable based on performance (max 6 years in total at UNU).

How to Apply

Submit your application via the UNU application portal. Include:

1. Completed UNU P11 Form (with motivation statement embedded).
2. Cover letter detailing your fit for the role.
3. List of publications.
4. Copy of highest academic degree certificate.
5. Responses to tailored screening questions.

Deadline: 15 August 2025, 23:59 CET

Commitment to Diversity

UNU is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from the Global South are strongly encouraged.

Important Notes

• No fees are charged during the recruitment process.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• UNU may consider applicants for similar roles across the organization.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.