{"id":2661572,"url":"https://alion.io/job/unu-research-associate-psa-3","title":"Research Associate (PSA-3)","company":{"id":689559,"name":"United Nations University","domain":"unu.edu","url":"https://alion.io/company/unu-2","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Recruitee","truth_index":null},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":null,"employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Bonn, Germany"],"countries":["DE"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":57000,"max_usd":148000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":47},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-12T12:46:46Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-12","last_verified_at":"2026-11-09T12:40:25Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":28,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":28},"description":"United Nations University (UNU)\nThe 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.\nFor 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\nUNU-EHS is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.\nUNU-EHS\nThe United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research activities, UNU-EHS offers educational opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues related to environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.\nWell-being and Equity (WE) Division\n“Well-being and Equity (WE)” is a pioneering science-to-policy research area of the United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). WE aspires towards a holistic assessment of the preconditions for well-being, sustainability and equity, including leveraging on different knowledge systems that go beyond current predominantly monetary assessments. To transform towards a WE society, this emerging initiative intends to bring together a broad range of interdisciplinary scientific expertise and diverse knowledge necessary to understand the interface between well-being, sustainability and equity. The division aims to develop holistic data and policy models to weigh all dimensions of well-being, sustainability and equity for decision makers; leverage change towards a sustainable and equitable society focusing on well-being and to develop a compelling narrative for a holistic framework.\n.\nResponsibilities\nUnder the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Academic Officer (Head of FAST), the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:\n1. Contribute to transformation research and theory building on Well-being and Equity\nContribute to the development of research frameworks supporting the strategic approach of WE and UNU-EHS’ Transformation Department;\n\nContribute to advancing innovative research topics including, but not limited to beyond GDP discourse, alternative socio-ecological models and approaches for assessing well-being and equity;\n\nContribute to theory and policy development, including identifying linkages to risk, adaptation, and transformation research and related frameworks to actively build connections to other divisions within UNU-EHS;\n\nSupport the design, review, and application of qualitative, quantitative, and creative research methodologies for transformative research on well-being and equity.\n\n2. Contribute to strategic engagement and proposal writing\nSupport the establishment and development of the Well-being Alliance for Research, Policy and Practice through the coordination of assigned activities, meetings and events, and by engaging stakeholders and partners to strengthen the division's global network; Assist senior staff in identifying and evaluating funding opportunities from various sources and in compiling and maintaining information on funding trends, donor priorities, and emerging opportunities;\n\nContribute to and support the Head of Division and/or PI in the preparation and drafting of project proposals to different donors and partners, liaising with partners and consortium set-up;\n\nContribute to the implementation of new projects by performing assigned research and reporting as needed.\n\n3. Advance academic profile\nIdentify and develop a PhD topic within the field of well-being and equity in consultation with the supervisor;\n\nDevelop the related methodology in consultation with the supervisor;\n\nEnroll in the doctoral program currently being established by University of Bonn and UNU-EHS;\n\nDevelop and carry out PhD research activities in agreement with the supervisors;\n\nParticipate in doctoral training, coursework, seminars and relevant capacity-building activities as required by the division.\n\n4. Project acquisition and Proposal Development Activities\nIdentify and screen relevant funding opportunities and call for proposals aligned with the established areas of work;\n\nAssist in the preparation and drafting of selected sections of project proposals and other funding-related materials;\n\nSupport communication and follow-up with donors and relevant counterparts regarding requirements, processes and application procedures.\n\n5. Contribute to scholarly and policy outputs and engage in scientific communication related to core research areas\nCross-cutting Thematic Support\nLead the preparation of scientific publications required for the completion of the PhD and draft or contribute to peer-reviewed journals, scientific reports and other research outputs;\n\nSupport the presentation of project results at scientific and policy-relevant conferences and present own findings in events geared towards young scientists;\n\nContribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, outreach materials, and digital resources.\n\n6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s)\nKey Performance Indicators\nTimely and high-quality delivery of assigned research activities and respective publications.\n\nTimely and high-quality achievement of PhD milestones according to the requirements\n\nContribute to project, institute and UNU mission\n\nUNU and WE division are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by partners and donors\n\nCompetencies\nValues:\nInclusion - 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;\n\nIntegrity - 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;\n\nHumility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others;\n\nHumanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.\n\nBehaviours:\nConnect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN;\n\nAnalyse 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;\n\nDeliver 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;\n\nLearn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others;\n\nAdapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways.\n\nRequirements\n1) Education and certification\nMaster's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of WE that qualifies the candidate for doctoral admission.\n2) Required qualifications and experience\nFamiliarity with concepts and frameworks in transformation, well-being and equity research;\n\nFamiliarity with related multi-method approaches, with deeper knowledge either on qualitative or quantitative methods;\n\nAbility to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams;\n\nStrong communication skills, including academic writing and the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences.\n\n3) Desired qualifications and experience\nOne (1) year of relevant professional or research experience;\n\nExperience in transdisciplinary and international projects;\n\nFamiliarity with Futures Literacy and creative methodologies such as using art, music or any other form of art for convening and research;\n\nAbility to generate novel research and think out of the box;\n\nFamiliarity with different forms of knowledge, including but not limited to indigenous knowledge;\n\nFamiliarity with supporting multi-actor networks;\n\nFamiliarity with writing project proposals;\n\nTeam player with strong interpersonal skills, initiative seeker, strong conceptual and drafting ability.\n\n4) Language Requirements:\nFluency in English is required;\n\nGood knowledge in any additional language, especially German is an asset;\n\nGood knowledge of the language spoken in the location of the intended PhD project is an asset.\n\nRemuneration\nThe 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.\nUNU 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.\n Duration of contract\nThe 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\nsuccessful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary. It is, however, a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances\napply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany.\n Starting date: As soon as possible\nSubmissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.\n How to Apply\nTo apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:\nFill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);\n\nprovide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);\n\nprovide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;\n\nanswer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and\nYou may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.\n\napply via the apply link.\n\n Application Deadline: 09 November 2026.\nSubmissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.\n Assessment\nEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.\n\nSpecial Notice\nPSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” 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. 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