Job description
About United Nations University
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in 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.
United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden, Germany, the Institute engages in research, capacity development, postgraduate teaching, advanced training, and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus. https://flores.unu.edu/
Responsibilities
The Executive and Liaison Officer works under the overall guidance of and reports directly to the Director of UNU-FLORES to ensure the efficient operations of the Office of the Director. The fast-paced working environment entails working collaboratively with all UNU-FLORES units and external partners to successfully achieve the responsibilities and assigned tasks. The tasks require mainly in-person work from the duty station with the occasional possibility to telework.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Coordinate and manage key strategic relationships with existing and new donors and partners (Governmental, IGOs, private sector, UN(U) entities, and others)
- Develop, implement, and maintain a strategic plan for the analysis, mapping, and identification of potential partners, especially in the German-speaking sector;
- Proactively create and maintain partnerships through positive and innovative interactions with donors and relevant partners in the UN system;
- Ensure reporting on partnerships and liaison progress to key stakeholders, including other UN entities, UNU Council, donors, and the Advisory Committee;
- Coordinate agreements, discuss, and resolve administrative requirements, and ensure dissemination of substantive reports and information required to meet partners’ needs;
2. Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Director
- Manage priorities and workflows of the Director and monitor work progress, follow-up on deadlines, commitments made, and actions taken;
- Ensure proper saving and archiving of the Director´s files;
- Maintain the Director’s calendar, contacts with high-ranking visitors, and arrangement of appointments and meetings, including all protocol procedures and logistics requirements;
- Handle travel arrangements of the Director, arranging appointments and preparing background/briefing material;
- Create communications products (e.g., presentations) for the Director;
- Perform secretarial duties for UNU-FLORES’ management and staff meetings. Prepare minutes for circulation and follow-up action.
3. Coordinate Planning and Performance Management of the Institute
- Align the strategic plan of the institute with the UNU-wide strategic plan;
- Coordinate the development of the Institute’s Strategic Plan;
- Coordinate regular updates of the Institute’s Implementation Plan;
- Support the development and tracking of the Institute’s performance indicators.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director
Key Performance Indicators
- Increase in sustainable third-party funding to UNU-FLORES, including excellent donor relationships and diversified funding sources;
- The timely, proactive, and smooth operation of the Director’s workflows;
- Information is correctly disseminated as needed with timely responses to queries and follow-ups;
- Timely coordination of official events;
- Timely development and implementation of standardised benchmarks and indicators;
- Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
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
- A Master’s degree in Business Studies, Public Administration, Political Sciences, International Relations, or other relevant social sciences with at least five (5) years of post-Master’s, relevant, and progressively responsible experience; or
A PhD degree with at least two (2) years of post-PhD, qualifying experience is required; more than five (5) years of experience would be highly advantageous; - At least five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative experience, some of which preferably in a large cooperation or international organisation;
- Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
- Advanced knowledge in the use of computer applications and software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) as well as web-based management systems.
- Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
- Ability to perform a broad range of specialised activities, including data/schedule management, maintenance of protocol, and information flow;
- Experience or education within the science sector would be highly advantageous;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion;
- Ability to establish, build and sustain effective relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of client’s perspective; ability to anticipate client needs and address them promptly;
- Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;
- Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
- An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Experience with government senior officials or senior-level officials in the UN with a thorough knowledge of UN operations, structure and administrative procedures is a distinctive advantage;
- Familiarity with the UN system and/or German University landscape is highly desired;
- Fluency in English and German is required;
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax-exempt compensation package at the P-2 level, including an annual net salary and a post-adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grants and rental subsidies.
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.
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 do not use similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- answer 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: 11 June 2023
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.
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.
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