Job description
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 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.
The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) is hosted at UNU-EHS and is a research-to-policy and practice innovation lab. MCII aims to support and ultimately influence policy making processes that enhance resilience and protect livelihoods of vulnerable communities, through pioneering risk management and risk transfer solutions (e.g. insurance mechanisms) in combination with other approaches to manage climate related risks. For detailed information, please visit: https://ehs.unu.edu/about/departments/the-munich-climate-insurance-initiative-mcii#overview.
Responsibilities
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS, the guidance of the Deputy Head of Risk & Adaptation Department, the MCII Initiative Coordinator and the Operations & Outreach Assistant, the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
Outreach & Engagement
Assist in creating content for MCII's social media accounts (e.g., LinkedIn; Bluesky) by creating first drafts of posts and creating graphics, featuring insights on its work with the V20 and the Global Shield Against Climate Risks, and other relevant subjects;
Support the development and maintenance of the new MCII website.
Support the maintenance of www.climateinsurance.org, including posting news articles, event listings, and resource materials, focusing on different MCII projects, including its work with the V20 and the Global Shield Against Climate Risks, and others.
Outreach: Collaborate with team members on outreach strategies and campaigns, e.g. on matters relating to the work on the V20โs Sustainable Insurance Facility;
Assist with general proof-reading of MCII publications, including on subjects related to the V20โs Sustainable Insurance Facility or the Global Shield against Climate Risks;
Support the creation and publishing of the MCII Annual Report;
Support the creation and improvement of outreach material (e.g. slide decks, templates, etc.);
2. Event Management & Logistics
Assist MCII team members at events by providing logistical support (workshops, meetings, national and international conferences), including registration, event and bilateral meeting coordination, handling of dissemination materials and managing exhibits and other promotional spaces; ensure effective and efficient functioning of the project office by maintaining contact with visitors and staff, arrange appointments, including meeting room reservation;
Liaise with external vendors to ensure that high standards for service quality are met consistently, as needed by the team and in-line with UNU regulations.
Ensure the effective logistical coordination of workshops and meetings in relation to MCIIโs projects; assist with guest-related event logistics to ensure hotel, transportations, and meeting needs are met; coordinate meeting requirements and communicate with meeting venue (as needed); assisting with maintenance of event databases such as invitee lists, RSVPโs, etc.;
3. Team Coordination
Assist with division tasks such as new employee onboarding, retreat coordination, aiding the creation of team workflows and procedures, etc.;
Provide assistance to the MCII team members with stakeholder engagement activities, e.g. coordination tasks for the MCII early-career network, activities with V20 stakeholders, and other relevant groups.
Support the organization of meetings such as MCII Board meetings, MCII Retreat, Membership Assembly, etc.
4. Policy and Project Management
Conduct background research on financial protection and climate risk finance topics to support V20 policy engagement, project design, and advocacy.
Assist in developing visual and written materials such as pitch decks and funding proposals that communicate research findings and project concepts.
Support the preparation of briefings and summaries by compiling and organizing data, facts, and visuals for diverse policy and stakeholder audiences.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key Performance Indicators
UNU-EHS/MCII and the team CRA are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;
Timely and quality delivery of team support regarding travel and event organization.
Timely and quality delivery of outreach support, including processing of publications, website maintenance, social media outreach.
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
High school diploma is required. Bachelorโs degree or equivalent in business administration, public administration, social sciences, communications or a related field will be considered an asset.
2) Required skills and experience
Required Qualifications:
At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international and multicultural environment;
Experience in communication, content management and social media;
Experience in event management, logistics and administrative tasks;
Organizational talent, strong process- / team orientation, personal dedication to contribute to organizational goals;
Strong team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in copy editing, proof reading and formatting of publications and other documents;
Experience in using graphic design platforms and visual collaboration platforms;
Interest and first work experience in the fields of climate adaptation measures, disaster management and/or agricultural and weather-index insurance;
First work experience in both developing countries and developed countries.
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.
Submissions must be received by 00:00 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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; and
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
apply via the apply link.
Application Deadline
03 August 2025
Submissions must be received by 00:00 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
PSA holders are neither โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor โofficialsโ 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.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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