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
About Institute
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
Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²)
REC²is a prestigious Cluster of Excellence initiative funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and led jointly with TUD Dresden University of Technology. Electronics offer numerous advantages for our lives, but at the cost of enormous resource and energy consumption and the generation of electronic waste. The REC² aims to create the scientific basis for the electronics of the future: new material platforms, component concepts and integrated systems with which responsible electronics can be realized in an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable way.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research work on the topic of Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and Technische Universitaet Dresden within Joint Junior Researcher Programme (JJRP). The successful candidate will also collaborate with fellow Doctoral Researchers and senior scientists in research, event organisation and participation, publications where possible, and contribute to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at UNU-FLORES and the mission of the United Nations. As a facet of the project, the Doctoral Researchers must consider the impact of their research on communities, and the potential for their research to be transferred upon completion of the doctorate.
Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Director of UNU-FLORES and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director (for one position) or Head of Resource Nexus Laboratory in Lusatia (for the other), the successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Perform research work related to the project: "Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²)"
* Research, write, and publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
* Develop a robust methodology for Resource Nexus Assessment, advancing sustainability life cycle assessment research related to
Responsible Electronics; and
* Support the development of a Resource Nexus approach to Responsible Electronics, contributing to the Global South.
2. Provide support for knowledge dissemination
* Develop strategies for the dissemination and transfer of knowledge to other regions that face similar challenges;
* Publishing results in the appropriate media and presenting findings at conferences and seminars; and
* Report research progress to the supervising team and in the project management system of UNU-FLORES.
3. Assist in capacity development
* Organise activities such as workshops related to the research project; and
* Contribute to the Institute's capacity development activities.
4. Provide support for educational development
* Work closely alongside the supervising team with the eventual goal of co-supervising master theses in the research field; and
* Contribute to the Institute's educational programme and events.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and the Director.
Key Performance Indicators
* Timely and quality development and implementation of the project plan;
* Timely submission and successful completion of the final Doctoral Thesis;
* Presentation of at least one paper at a conference or seminar;
* Publishing at least one paper per year in a scientific journal;
* 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
* An excellent academic profile including a Master's degree with a cumulative grade average of at least 2.5 or an equivalent according to the German system in Environmental, Natural, Social, Economic, or Political sciences, Environmental Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field;
2) Required skills and experience
* At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience related to Responsible Electronics;
* Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software solutions, such as openLCA, SimaPro, LCA for Experts or similar sustainability assessment software, as well as the databases ecoinvent or Sphera Managed LCA Content databases;
* Proven record of publications, including academic papers related to the field of Responsible Electronics;
* Proven skills in statistical analysis and fieldwork experience;
* Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
* Proven expertise in inter and transdisciplinary research, including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;
* Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;
* Demonstrates initiative, strong conceptual abilities and sound judgment;
* 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.
3) Language Requirements:
* Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required;
* Fluency in German is desirable; and
* Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The Doctoral Research position is established within the third-party-funded project, pending approval. This is a part-time position (75%) with a monthly salary of 2,697 EUR, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. This stipend is expected to cover relocation, living and education expenses. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme. While the Doctoral Programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR will need to be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. For additional information on the programme and the admission procedure, please visit our website.
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, pending project approval. 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 three and a half (3.5) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Starting 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 avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
* Provide copies of all educational credentials listed in the P11 form as evidence;
* Provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
* Provide the full version of your MSc thesis; and
* Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
Please compile all required documents into a single PDF file and attach it instead of the cover letter.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
26 November 2025
Submissions must be received by midnight CET (Central European Time) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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
PSA 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 They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.