Educational Programme Associate

Job Title: Educational Programme Associate

Organization: United Nations University (UNU)

Duty Station: Dresden, Sachsen, Germany

Salary: €3,187 per month

Job description

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 concern 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/.

Educational Programmes at UNU-FLORES

The educational programmes at UNU-FLORES span doctoral research programmes in collaboration with the strategic partner TU Dresden, and Master’s Thesis programmes. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the Head of Programme and its partner institutions to coordinate the programme management, lead the recruitments within the educational programmes, and implements the programmes with day-to-day activities. One focus is the NEXtra Doctoral Research Programme with approx. 55 doctoral student positions over the next 9 years.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNU-FLORES and the joint supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer and the Head of Programme, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Educational Programme Management (Administration)

• Coordinate the institute’s educational programmes;
• Coordinate third-party funded programmes (such as DAAD GSSP);
• Review and renewal of existing agreements; and
• Drive the educational strategy of the Institute.

2. Manage the recruitment and selection process for Doctoral Researchers

• Organise the selection process of Doctoral Researchers, including preparing vacancy announcements, evaluation, and screening of applications, arranging interviews, reference checks, liaising with the donor, and managing the recruitment documentation while ensuring the consistent application of the regulations and procedures; and
• Manage the administrative onboarding of new Doctoral Researchers, including managing the post hiring documentation.

3. Implement the Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Research Programmes

• Handle the general administration of the Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Research programmes, including contract extensions and providing advice and support to employees on human resources related matters;
• Schedule meetings, appointments, take minutes, and monitor deadlines concerning the Doctoral Research Programmes;
• Support the relationship and communications with the strategic partner TU Dresden;
• Oversee the performance management of Doctoral Students; and
• Create and maintain reference files, policies, and records in relation to the Programmes and/or students.

4. Provides support in Human Resources administrative services

• Assist with general HR-related administrative tasks;
• Assist with the administration of UNU-FLORES personnel contracts and agreements; and
• Provide guidance/training to colleagues.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Director.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the NEXtra and doctoral programmes recruitment strategy;
• Timely and quality development and implementation of the administrative tasks;
• Timely, complete, and accurate human resources transactions/activities/documentation;
• Information is easily available, and databases are up to date;
• 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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, Education, or related field. Master’s degree or equivalent is desirable.

• Bachelor’s degree with five (5) years of professional experience in recruitment and selection, human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree with three (3) years of professional experience is desirable.
• Experience in an academic setting is required;
• Must be proficient in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc);
• Experience in drafting job descriptions/vacancy announcements, communications, and presentations is required;
• Experience with recruitment and selection, human resources, business administration, or a related field is mandatory; experience with academic recruitment is highly desirable;
• Possesses advanced knowledge of organisational policy and procedures relating to Human Resources and applies them consistently;
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information;
• 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;
• HR certification from a reputable institution is a distinct advantage.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including a monthly net salary of EUR 3,187, 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 of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) 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 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. 

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 19 October 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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