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

PAN-AFRICAN COOPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES (PACET)

Focused on improving livelihoods towards self-sufficiency and equality in the Global South, the Pan-African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) 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 three main pillars. The first concerns the Agri-food systems innovation which examines how the development and adoption of improved agricultural practices, technologies and ways of organizing within the agri-food sector can enhance productivity, resource efficiency, system resilience, adaptation, market opportunities and environmental sustainability. Within the second working pillar on Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship the division contributes to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, linking youth and women with climate finance and supporting them to create innovative solutions to address local challenges through business/start-up development, job creation and leapfrogging green sectors. The third pillar on Educational Technology seeks to empowers and capacitates youth, innovators and entrepreneurs, communities and practitioners by leveraging digital and educational technologies through co-designed practical learning experiences and applied research in training methodologies.
PACET aims to inform 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 to strengthen policymaking and implementation in line with PACET’s research priorities while creating equitable partnerships with stakeholders worldwide.

4. NETWORKING AND KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION

• Contribute to building and maintaining professional networks with academic, policy, and industry stakeholders to support energy research in agri-food systems innovation;
• Support UNU-VIE’s participation in global energy policy discussions and academic conferences, sharing expertise and fostering collaborations;
• Support engagement with external partners and institutions to help enhance the impact of research findings and promote knowledge exchange.

1) EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Renewable Energy, Agri-food Systems, Sustainability, or a related field.

2) REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience in project management and energy research, particularly in the context of agri-food systems innovation, Water Energy and Food Nexus, energy policy, climate risk assessment or sustainable development, preferably in the Global South; More than five (5) years of experience would be an advantage;
• Experience assisting in managing research budgets, supporting the development of project proposals and contributing to securing funding;
• Experience assisting in supervision and mentoring of students and junior researchers;
• Expertise in energy systems, renewable energy solutions, and their application in agri-food systems or in nexus approaches;
• Strong research skills including drafting technical reports and policy papers;
• Demonstrated ability to support on multiple research projects and meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented and capable to work autonomously in a dynamic environment;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong collaborative experience in interdisciplinary research environment;
• Demonstrate ability to proactively identify opportunities for fund raising, new projects, and networking.

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Experience working in international, multicultural and multi-disciplinary research teams and setting;
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills;
• Experience in the planning, organizing and documenting events, conferences, and strategic meetings;
• Public speaking/presentation as well as moderation skills;
• Knowledge and experience of processes and procedures of United Nations agencies or international organizations.

3) LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Vice-Rector in Europe and the direct supervision of the Head of the PACET Department, the successful candidate will principally be responsible for the following tasks: