Job description
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, 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 the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About Office/Institute
UNU-IAS is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic and environmental dimensions. Through its postgraduate education programmes UNU-IAS develops future international leaders with interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions to problems of sustainability. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu
The Strategic Programme (SP) is a flagship programme implemented by the Strategy and Management Office (SMO) in collaboration with Units of Thematic Programmes of the Institute and UNU-IAS partners under the Strategic Period 2020-2024. The Strategic Programme implements a research project on the Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, focusing on synergies between climate change and sustainable development, budgeting, and monitoring & evaluation system for SDGs. The SP, in collaboration with other units and partners of the UNU-IAS, is developing and implementing policy-oriented capacity building and educational programmes such as Post Graduate Degree Specialisation on the Paris Agreement. The SP also promotes outreach activities on the knowledge of UNU-IAS through the channel of Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC). The GEOC was jointly established by the Ministry of Environment of Japan and UNU; its mission is to foster partnership between various stakeholders, such as international agencies, national governments, local governments, companies, nonprofit organizations and citizens, to create a sustainable society. GEOC's main activities include: (i) international partnership building, (ii) partnership building in Japan, and (iii) information sharing and communication.
In coordination with the research areas of the Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, UNU-IAS conducts research work on possible roles, working modalities, and guiding principles of organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change.
Responsibilities
In close consultation with the Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and the Head of Programme and Administration, the Consultant will perform the following assignments:
1. Conduct research activities in governance for climate change and sustainable development focusing on loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change
โข Collect and analyse information on the key organizations, networks, civil societies, and other bodies which have capacities for taking actions for averting, minimising and addressing the loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change mainly in Asia Pacific region;
โข Analyse the roles and impacts of the bodies mentioned above for supporting developing countries particularly vulnerable to adverse effects on climate change including local communities in least developed countries, small island states, indigenous people, gender minorities, and children and youth groups;
โข Collect and analyse information on challenges and good practices on the above mentioned communities contributing to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change and good practices;
โข Prepare input to policy recommendations for to take effective actions for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change; and
โข Compile all the information into reports of the length at a minimum 20 pages of presentation slides excluding titles and references.
2. Promote knowledge and information with internal and external experts
โข Contribute to development and publication of knowledge products on loss and damage associated with theimpacts of climate change;
โข Provide substantial support and contribution to outreach activities for scaling up impacts of the Programmeincluding provision of presentation in relevant events, to deliver the knowledge materials produced throughthe research activities above;
โข Update progresses of the work as well as key trends and issues relevant to the research activities above; and
โข Participate in meetings with the Head of Programme and Administration, other members of the Programmeand external organizations as necessary.
3. Perform other duties as required by the Director and the Head of Programme and Administration.
Key performance indicators
Quality expert advice and inputs to the research activities of the programmeTimely and quality achievement and submission of deliverablesQuality engagement with UNU-IAS and other researchers and studentsContribution and engagement in the programme outreach activitiesCompetencies
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 incase 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 UNAnalyse 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 actionDeliver 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 servesLearn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of othersAdapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel waysQualifications
1) Education and certification
Advanced university degree (masterโs or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, social science or another relevant field
2) Experience
At least five years of practical experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and/or post disaster recovery is required;Experience in conducting research in the areas of disaster risk assessment and/or managing disaster risk information is an asset;Familiarity with international negotiation processes on climate change in particular on the issues of loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change is an asset; andGood team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.Fluency in Japanese is an asset.Duration
3 months
Remuneration
Payment schedule and conditions:
Daily fee: JPY 27,000.
Payment, inclusive all of fees, will be made based on a daily rate and the number of actual working days at the beginning of the following month after submission of the attendance sheet and the brief activity report.
You are reminded that 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 your sole responsibility.
The consultant is expected to work a total of 24 days during the contract period.
The consultant must have the necessary work permits.
Total amount: JPY 648,000 (maximum)
Travel considerations
Should โmission travelโ be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.
Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).
Expected start date
As soon as possible
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;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); andanswer 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
30th August 2024 (UTC)
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a โstaff memberโ as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
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. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.
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.
Scam warning
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