About the organization: United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the UN system. The Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in Bonn in 2003 and focuses on risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk, adaptation and transformation.

About the position: The post sits in the Well-being and Equity (WE) Division of the institute, under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and the direct supervision of the Academic Officer (Head of FAST). The post is on-site in Bonn.

Main responsibilities:

• Contribute to research and theory building on well-being and equity, including beyond-GDP discourse and alternative socio-ecological models for assessing well-being and equity.
• Support the design, review and application of qualitative, quantitative and creative research methodologies.
• Support the development of the Well-being Alliance for Research, Policy and Practice by coordinating activities, meetings and events.
• Identify funding opportunities and calls for proposals, and assist in drafting sections of project proposals.
• Identify a PhD topic in well-being and equity and enrol in the doctoral programme being established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS.
• Prepare scientific publications, reports, policy briefs and outreach materials, and present results at conferences.

Contract duration: One year under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA), renewable subject to requirements and satisfactory performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years. Starting date: as soon as possible.

How to apply:

• No account is needed.
• Fill out the UNU P11 Form (including the motivation statement) and avoid forms from other UN organisations.
• Provide a cover letter explaining how your qualifications and experience match the position.
• Answer a few position-specific questions and upload your academic degrees and transcripts and a copy of your passport.
• Deadline: 9 November 2026, 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Assessment: May include an assessment exercise, followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Notice: UNU does not charge any fee for applying or recruitment.

Core requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant to the WE thematic areas that qualifies the candidate for doctoral admission.
• Familiarity with concepts and frameworks in transformation, well-being and equity research.
• Familiarity with multi-method approaches, with deeper knowledge of either qualitative or quantitative methods.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, including academic writing and presenting research findings to diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to relocate to Bonn and interest in pursuing a PhD on well-being and equity (per the application questions).

Desired qualifications:

• One year of relevant professional or research experience.
• Experience in transdisciplinary and international projects.
• Familiarity with Futures Literacy, creative methodologies and different forms of knowledge, including indigenous knowledge.
• Experience supporting multi-actor networks and writing project proposals.
• Good knowledge of an additional language, especially German, or of the language of the intended PhD location.

The post is open to applicants from all countries, and applications from developing countries and from women are strongly encouraged.

• An annual net salary commensurate with experience and qualifications (amount not specified in the announcement).
• 30 days of annual leave.
• A health insurance scheme.
• UNU assistance to the successful candidate in securing a German work visa, if necessary.
• The opportunity to enrol in the doctoral programme being established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS, with doctoral training, coursework and seminars.

Note: this is a locally recruited post with no relocation allowances, and any taxes on the remuneration are the responsibility of the contract holder.