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Vacancy Announcement: Vice-Rector in Europe/Director for UNU-EHS


The United Nations University (UNU) is looking to fill the position of Vice-Rector in Europe/Director of the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). Application deadline is 15 November 2009.


Responsibilities: Under the authority and supervision of the Rector, the Vice-Rector in Europe/Director of UNUEHS in Bonn will:
  • Assist the Rector in his role of chief academic and administrative officer of the UNU and will be a fully integrated member of the management team of the University.
  • Work in close cooperation with the Rector and as assigned, will initiate, stimulate and coordinate new and existing activities of the UNU, including institutes, networks, associated institutions, programmes and projects.
  • Assist the Rector in ensuring the overall integration and coherence of UNU academic activities. UNU/HR/MB/FdA/Admin/HR…VA/UNU-EHS/ViE (Vice-Rector in Europe/Director of UNU-EHS) Page 2 of 2 10.9.2009
  • Serve as Director of the UNU-EHS where UNU-EHS assesses the vulnerability and coping capacity of societies facing natural and human-induced hazards in a changing environment. The Institute spearheads research, capacity development and policy-relevant advisory activities relating to the broad interdisciplinary field of 'risk and vulnerability'. Required qualifications and experience:
  • Candidates for the Vice-Rectorship/Directorship should have a Ph.D. in an academic field relevant to environmental issues in particular climate change and hazard risk and vulnerability.
  • Possess a well-established, internationally recognized academic profile with at least 15 years of proven management experience at a senior level in an academic or research institution.
  • Strong background of research and publications in areas related to UNU-EHS’ interests.
  • A successful track record of fund-raising and donor relations would be a distinct advantage. He/she should be able to exercise academic leadership within the multicultural setting of an international organization.
  • Fluency in English is required; a working knowledge of German and one or more official languages of the United Nations would be desirable.

Remuneration: Competitive net salary (tax-exempted) and allowances at a senior level (D-2) within the United Nations system. Approximate net salary of US$159,014 (single status) to US$173,089 p.a. (with dependants) including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change. The post carries the standard set of United Nations entitlements/benefits, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible children, removal expenses and home leave. For more information please visit: http://http://sas.undp.org/portal/alias__SAS/lang__en- GB/tabID__3379/DesktopDefault.aspx.

Duration of contract: This is a fixed-term appointment. The period of initial contract would be for a four-year term with the possibility of renewal for a further four years on the basis of excellent performance. The mandatory retirement age for new UN staff is 62 years. This is an internationally recruited post. Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate to a level below that advertised.

Starting date: It is expected that the appointee will take up by early year 2010.

Application Procedure: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application preferably by email to , submitting a United Nations University Personal History Form (P.11) accessible on the United Nations University website (Personal History Form) with a letter of application, including full curriculum vitae (with publications lists) and names, addresses and fax numbers of three referees and should clearly indicate the above reference number. A covering letter setting out how qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position must also accompany the nomination/application.
Applications to:
UNU-Vice Rector in Europe/Director UNU-EHS Search Committee
Organizational Unit : United Nations University – Institute for Environmental and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
Reference Number : 2009/UNU/ViE/VRiE-DIR/19




By Mail : c/o Office of the Rector
United Nations University, Headquarters,
53-70, Jingumae 5-chome,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, JAPAN.
By Email :
By Fax : +81 3 3499 2828
All applications/nominations will be acknowledged.
Closing Date : 15 November 2009







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