Research Lead - Climate Justice and Determinants of Health (P4)

United Nations University (UNU)

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.

About United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH)

UNU-IIGH is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.UNU-IIGH was established in 2007 to advance evidence-based policy on key sustainable development and global health issues. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity in global health for decision making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member states towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim is to contribute to developing and strengthening health policy frameworks and management actions, particularly for people in developing countries, and support the implementation of promotive and preventive approaches to human health. The UNU-IIGH’s research and capacity building in global health relates specifically to informing the policy debates and directions that ensure that in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “no one is left behind”.

As a neutral convener and leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy, and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and capacity strengthening. Specifically, the Institute’s work engages with policy debates and seeks pathways to reduce the impact of inequalities and marginalisation on health, health service delivery and access to health care. Critical considerations are intersections of gender, race, and class and the role of universal health coverage, global health governance, accountability and human rights.

Research Leads at UNU-IIGH are expected to develop and lead programs of research and capacity building, focusing on generating knowledge and informing critical policy debates across UN agencies and member states.

The position

As an independent global health think tank within the UN system with a mandate to advance the perspectives and needs of states and populations in the Global South, through its new Strategic Plan (2024-2028) UNU-IIGH aims to facilitate cooperation between different stakeholders, including governments, research institutions and the private sector to address the policy dimensions of the climate emergency and its impact on health. Through our new Strategic Plan we aim to add to the ongoing debates by spotlighting research that demonstrates the inequalities underpinning the health impacts of the climate emergency and highlighting the power asymmetries that determine the capabilities of serve as a platform for critical thinking, the exchange of knowledge and tools, and to advance evidence- based policy on the different dimensions of the climate emergency and its impact on health. Further information on new Strategic Plan can be found at https://unu.edu/iigh.

UNU-IIGH is looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and extensive experience in policy-relevant research to lead its work on climate justice and determinants of health and act as Research Lead closely with the Institute Director, taking primary responsibility for managing and expanding its research programme and positioning UNU-IIGH amongst the broader UN community.

The ideal candidate is a mid-to late-career academic, researcher or technical expert in the field of climate justice and determinants of health, with a demonstrable commitment to these issues and with experience working with the UN and/or global health organisations.

Responsibilities

Under the leadership of the Director, the Research Lead on Gender will:

1.Lead the programme of work on Climate Justice and Determinants of Health

• Lead and manage the programme of work on climate justice and determinants of health, including designing, undertaking and disseminating research outputs and managing a team of researchers;
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the climate justice and determinants of health work package with respect to its scientific profile, budget submission, allocation and monitoring, personnel planning, and implementation of administrative policies. Monitoring and evaluation of the team’s work;
• Lead research, knowledge management, and dissemination;
• Publish research results together with other researchers, partner, and beyond, in international peer-reviewed journals and other similar publications.

2.Manage resource mobilization strategies for Climate Justice and Determinants of Health

• Mobilise resources to develop the programme of work on climate justice and determinants of health within the strategy for UNU and UNU-IIGH;
• Support the Director in donor relations, including resource mobilisation activities for the Institute’s programmes; preparation of proposals; and engagement with donors and other stakeholders;
• Lead the development of resource mobilization strategies for climate justice and determinants of and policy-relevant topics and manage the implementation of resource mobilization strategies, plans, and efforts;
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on programme development and implementation and resource mobilization;
• Finalize donor reports and negotiate and/or approve cost-sharing agreements with donors;
• Establish reporting accountability framework to ensure that donors are duly informed on a timely basis.

3.Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing on Climate Justice and Determinants of Health

• Guide researchers on strategic programme development and project-based fundraising, and ensure the quality of project outputs and adherence to internal policies and guidelines;
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing across work packages and programmes to build capacity and promote the adoption of best practices in the areas of research, convening, capacity strengthening, fundraising and stakeholder engagement;
• Promote diversity, inclusivity, gender equality and gender mainstreaming throughout the Institute’s work and academic programmes;
• Contribute to the dissemination of the Institute’s research results and knowledge products.

4.Represent UNU and create and maintain strategic partnerships and networks on Climate Justice and Determinants

• Promote, strengthen and develop scientific partnerships with relevant institutions at all levels; maintain and further develop existing cooperation with UN agencies, climate research networks, and external partners, including visiting fellows and the UNCT;
• Represent the Director and UNU-IIGH as required in both local, regional and global fora.

5.Perform other duties as assigned by the Director

Key Performance Indicators

• Development and implementation of a high-quality research programme for UNU-IIGH, including the delivery of research outputs, capacity development;
• A high level of academic excellence as seen by the publication of research outputs, including an increase in sustainable third-party funding from diversified resources;
• High-quality development of the research programme, establishing new working groups, and recruiting international collaborators
• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-IIGH as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society;
• Direct reports achieve their goals and KPIs supporting the programme to produce high-quality research. 

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

• PhD degree or
  equivalent in public health or related
  field with a specific focus on climate related issues
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior professional work experience, including the management of research and/or training programs.
• Exceptional partnership building, coordination, and management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out research and capacity building activities in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver high quality products to external partners, particularly across the UN agencies.
• Evidence of academic and peer-reviewed publications related to the program area outlined above.
• Demonstrated track record in international research and training on issues related to climate justice and determinants of healthincluding implementation research.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English across a range of communication formats (academic publications, program reports, policy briefs) knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset.
• Strong track record of resource mobilisation from international funding agencies.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required; knowledge of another 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: As soon as possible

Application Deadline:  7th February 2024

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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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