Resource Nexus Events, Advocacy and Outreach Associate (PSA5)

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.

United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.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. For more information, please visit https://flores.unu.edu/.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Research and Innovation Development on the Resource Nexus

• Support the Institute’s research projects and programmes related to advancing the Resource Nexus when it comes to the event organization/management and related logistic;
• Continuously research and stay updated on the latest developments, trends, and innovations in the event organization/management, including in-person, online, hybrid and emerging formats of events, gather insights and utilize this knowledge to implement best practices and integrate the latest trends into event planning and execution, ensuring cutting-edge, engaging, and impactful events of UNU-FLORES; and 
• Develop and propose innovative event formats and approaches, incorporating new technologies and methodologies to enhance participant engagement and experience.

2. Education and Capacity Development

• Support with capacity development and outreach activities to relevant stakeholders;
• Contribute to publications and publish in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and policy briefs;
• Mentor, supervise, and/or provide junior team members and interns as well as provide guidance to PhD and Master’s students; and
• Contribute to the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e-learning and capacity development in the respective area.

3. Governance and Administration of the Institute

• Develop engaging content for the events, including themes and designing programmes, identification of speakers, moderators, panelists, session conveners, etc.;
• Lead the organization of the biannual Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC) and biannual DNCi, including the identification of moderators and coordinating venue management and logistical planning and budgets as well as organising meaningful outputs of the events, such as policy briefs, statements, publications etc., ensuring alignment with the UNU-FLORES strategic directions;
• Organise and deliver UNU-FLORES events with its’ partners, including the UN-Day, innovative conferences, workshops, panel discussions and other events, including potential applications for funding, including in-person, online, hybrid and emerging formats of events, ensuring alignment with the UNU-FLORES strategic directions;
• Establish, maintain and manage UNU-FLORES event database, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of event outcomes and impact;
• Advance and maintain the internal relevant contact databases;
• Support the Director’s events;
• Organise office logistics for high-ranking meetings and events;
• Develop Workflows and guidance material for event organization, advocacy and outreach;
• Support with the development of concepts for fundraising activities; and
• Actively contribute to ideas and opportunities for Institutional development.

4. Outreach, Advocacy and Impact

• Support and contribute to the development, implementation, and execution of innovative social media campaigns and content to increase the visibility of UNU-FLORES, as well as its projects and programmes;
• Write articles, social media posts and other communication materials to promote UNU-FLORES and the Nexus Approach;
• Review and ensure the accuracy, clarity and quality of communications materials and documents;
• Supports UNU-FLORES staff on their professional social media profile, strategy and implementation; and
• Support media outreach activities (German and International press) and media outputs such as podcasts, op-eds, blog articles, etc.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the assigned performance goals;
• Successful organisation of DNC and DNCi as well as all other UNU-FLORES events (e.g. UN Day, etc.);
• Contribute to increased visibility and continuous news coverage of UNU-FLORES by external media outlets;
• Quality and proactive level of engagement with UNU-FLORES partners (research partners, government, donors);
• 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

1) Education and certification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Sciences, or other relevant field.

2) Required skills and experience

• A minimum of three (3) years (with Bachelor’s degree) or minimum one (1) year (with Master’s degree) of relevant working experience in successfully organising and managing events, including large-scale conferences, public outreach activities, or advocacy campaigns;
• Proficiency in planning, organising and executing high-quality events across various formats (in-person, online, hybrid) from start to finish, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, logistics and coordinating with various stakeholders, as well as post-event analysis;
• Demonstrated experience in creating and implementing strategies to promote events, including social media campaigns, email marketing and/or public relations efforts;
• Excellent communication skills, writing, and analytical skills with experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations with a high degree of attention to detail is required;
• Strong service orientation with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, consistently anticipating emerging needs of projects and involved stakeholders;
• Experience and extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet deadlines;
• 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;
• Previous experience of environmental issues of the global south, regional experience and familiarity of the world’s complexities is beneficial;

3) Language Requirements:

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

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary of EUR 3.596, 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.

Starting date

Immediate

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 avoid using 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

29 October 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.

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.

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