Responsibilities

In close consultation with the Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and the Head of Programme and Administration, the Consultant will perform the following assignments:

1. Conduct research activities in governance for climate change and sustainable development focusing on loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change

• Collect and analyse information on the key organizations, networks, civil societies, and other bodies which have capacities for taking actions for averting, minimising and addressing the loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change mainly in Asia Pacific region;
• Analyse the roles and impacts of the bodies mentioned above for supporting developing countries particularly vulnerable to adverse effects on climate change including local communities in least developed countries, small island states, indigenous people, gender minorities, and children and youth groups;
• Collect and analyse information on challenges and good practices on the above mentioned communities contributing to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change and good practices;

• Prepare input to policy recommendations for to take effective actions for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change; and
• Compile all the information into reports of the length at a minimum 20 pages of presentation slides excluding titles and references.

2. Promote knowledge and information with internal and external experts
• Contribute to development and publication of knowledge products on loss and damage associated with theimpacts of climate change;
• Provide substantial support and contribution to outreach activities for scaling up impacts of the Programmeincluding provision of presentation in relevant events, to deliver the knowledge materials produced throughthe research activities above;

• Update progresses of the work as well as key trends and issues relevant to the research activities above; and
• Participate in meetings with the Head of Programme and Administration, other members of the Programmeand external organizations as necessary.

3. Perform other duties as required by the Director and the Head of Programme and Administration.

Key performance indicators

• Quality expert advice and inputs to the research activities of the programme
• Timely and quality achievement and submission of deliverables
• Quality engagement with UNU-IAS and other researchers and students
• Contribution and engagement in the programme outreach activities

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 incase 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

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, social science or another relevant field

2) Experience

• At least five years of practical experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and/or post disaster recovery is required;
• Experience in conducting research in the areas of disaster risk assessment and/or managing disaster risk information is an asset;
• Familiarity with international negotiation processes on climate change in particular on the issues of loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change is an asset; and
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Japanese is an asset.