Job description
About UN 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
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.
The Pan African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) division focuses on improving livelihoods towards self-sufficiency and equality in the Global South. The 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 two main pillars. The first concerns agri-food systems innovation, which examines how the development and adoption of improved agricultural practices, technologies and ways of organising within the agri-food sector can enhance productivity, resource efficiency, system resilience, adaptation, market opportunities and environmental sustainability. The second working pillar focuses on green innovations, digitalization and entrepreneurship, by means of which the division contributes to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supports youth and women to create innovative solutions to address local challenges through business/start-up development, job creation and leapfrogging green sectors. The third pillar focuses on educational technologies, and seeks to empower and capacitate youth, innovators, entrepreneurs, communities and practitioners by leveraging digital and educational technologies through co-designed practical learning experiences and applied research in training methodologies. PACET’s work informs 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 strengthen policymaking and implementation in line with PACET's research priorities whilst simultaneously creating equitable partnerships with stakeholders worldwide.
Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the UNU Vice-Rector in Europe/Director of UNU-EHS, the Head of the PACET Division at UNU-VIE is responsible for the following:
1. Manage the PACET Division:
· Lead and manage the PACET team, including planning and allocating work assignments; mentoring personnel, conducting performance appraisals, support with professional development and participate in recruitment and selection processes for the team and other divisions;
· Manage the day-to-day operations of the PACET Division with respect to its scientific profile; budget submission, allocation and monitoring; personnel planning; and implementation of administrative policies;
· Develop a long-term strategy for the Division, with a particular focus on agri-food systems innovation, green innovation and entrepreneurship, specifically on youth and women, and educational technologies embedded into the overall strategy of UNU in Bonn;
· Promote academic excellence of the Division by integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies;
· Enhance the global visibility of the Division’s work through diverse channels as applicable;
· Serve as a Certifying Officer for UNU-VIE and as Officer-in-Charge for UNU-VIE, when assigned.
2. Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination on PACET-specific topics:
· Conduct frontier research applying futuristic thinking/futures literacy and applied research to enhance people’s livelihood;
· Promote the effective use of scientific knowledge available at UNU-VIE and UNU-EHS in addressing global and emergent issues relevant to PACET’s research agenda;
· Publish research findings in collaboration with colleagues at UNU-VIE, UNU-EHS and other institutions, through international peer-reviewed journals and book chapters;
· Disseminate PACET’s research to broader, non-academic audiences via diverse formats including, media interviews, writing op-eds and social media engagement in close collaboration with the UNU-VIE Communication Unit.
3. Manage the resource mobilization strategies for PACET:
· Develop and implement, resource mobilization strategies on policy-relevant topics that also create research opportunities for PhD students;
· Manage the Division’s financial resources ensuring compliance with UNU-VIE governance standards and donor requirements;
· Establish and maintain partnerships with governments, donors, and other stakeholders to support programme development and implementation and resource mobilization;
· Prepare and finalize donor reports, negotiate and/or approve cost-sharing agreements with donors; establish clear reporting frameworks for timely communication with donors.
4. Conduct education and training initiatives:
· Conceptualize, design and manage e-learning activities related to PACET projects and capacity building at UNU-VIE in collaboration with relevant UNU-EHS divisions;
· (Co-)supervise Master’s and PhD students at UNU-VIE and UNU-EHS.
5. Represent UNU, and create and maintain strategic partnerships and networks:
· Engage in international policy processes and agendas based on relevance to PACET;
· Promote and strengthen partnerships and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to, UN agencies such as UNFCCC, other UNU institutes, UNU-affiliated entities in Africa and other Global South countries through UNU Hubs, global research networks, the Pan African University, the University of Bonn, the Bonn Research Alliance, particularly in Europe and Africa, the African Union and related institutions, as well as German and international actors and institutions in higher education, research and development cooperation in/with Africa.
· Represent UNU-VIE on international scientific networks and/or boards and at major conferences and events.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice-Rector.
Key performance indicators
· Timely and quality development and implementation of the PACET Division strategy and annual workplan;
· Timely and quality delivery on operational goals;
· UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;
· Timely development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy, resulting in sufficient resources to implement the PACET Division’s work plan and the securing of funding for the continuation and growth of the PACET team;
· Management of the performance of personnel and quality knowledge products.
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
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Ph.D. in environmental sciences, natural sciences or another relevant field
2) Required skills and experience
· At least five (5) years of working experience in environmental sciences, natural sciences, research management, some of which preferably in an international and multi-cultural environment;
· Experience in networking with research and research policy stakeholders;
· Experience in fundraising;
· Knowledge in managing administrative and financial management processes;
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
· Experience working in Africa.
Other desirable skills: Excellent communication and didactic skills; initiative, strong conceptual abilities; sound judgment; resilience; 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 and various stakeholders; excellent leadership and team spirit.
3) Language Requirements
· Fluency in English is required;
· Fluency in French desired;
· Knowledge of an additional UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Starting Date
24 August 2025.
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;
provide PDF documents of your three most relevant publications for the position;
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
apply via the apply link.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
20 June 2025
Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET 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
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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.
Scam warning
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