The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) is recruiting a Research Associate (PSA-3) for its Well-being and Equity (WE) Division in Bonn, Germany. The post combines research on well-being and equity with a PhD at the doctoral program being established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS, it is open to applicants from all countries, and applications close on 09 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy notice to put every duty, requirement and condition of this post in one place.
About the 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, and its work 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, its 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. More information is available at https://unu.edu.
UNU-EHS: The Institute for Environment and Human Security in Bonn
UNU-EHS is one of the 13 research and training institutes that make up the think tanks in the UNU system. It was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany, and conducts research that advances human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk and adaptation, and transformation.
Beyond research, UNU-EHS offers educational opportunities at the master's level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues related to environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about the institute is available at https://unu.edu/ehs.
The Well-being and Equity (WE) Division
Well-being and Equity (WE) is a pioneering science-to-policy research area of UNU-EHS. It aspires to a holistic assessment of the preconditions for well-being, sustainability and equity, including leveraging different knowledge systems that go beyond today's predominantly monetary assessments. To transform towards a WE society, the initiative brings together a broad range of interdisciplinary scientific expertise and diverse knowledge to understand the interface between well-being, sustainability and equity.
The division sets out to do three things.
🧮 Develop holistic data and policy models that weigh all dimensions of well-being, sustainability and equity for decision makers
🌱 Leverage change towards a sustainable and equitable society focusing on well-being
📖 Develop a compelling narrative for a holistic framework
Who You Report To
The post works under the authority of the Director of UNU-EHS and under the direct supervision of the Academic Officer (Head of FAST). The successful candidate is entrusted with the six task areas described below.
Transformation Research and Theory Building on Well-being and Equity
The first task area is about the research core of the Well-being and Equity work.
🧱 Contribute to the development of research frameworks supporting the strategic approach of WE and the UNU-EHS Transformation Department
💡 Contribute to advancing innovative research topics, including but not limited to the beyond GDP discourse, alternative socio-ecological models and approaches for assessing well-being and equity
🧭 Contribute to theory and policy development, including identifying linkages to risk, adaptation and transformation research and related frameworks, to actively build connections to other divisions within UNU-EHS
🧪 Support the design, review and application of qualitative, quantitative and creative research methodologies for transformative research on well-being and equity
Strategic Engagement and Proposal Writing
The second task area covers network building and fundraising support.
🤝 Support the establishment and development of the Well-being Alliance for Research, Policy and Practice by coordinating assigned activities, meetings and events, and by engaging stakeholders and partners to strengthen the division's global network
🔎 Assist senior staff in identifying and evaluating funding opportunities from various sources, and in compiling and maintaining information on funding trends, donor priorities and emerging opportunities
✍️ Contribute to and support the Head of Division and/or the principal investigator in preparing and drafting project proposals to different donors and partners, liaising with partners and setting up consortia
🚀 Contribute to the implementation of new projects by performing assigned research and reporting as needed
Advancing Your Academic Profile: The PhD Component
The third task area is the doctoral part of the post. The Research Associate is expected to build an academic profile alongside the research duties.
🎯 Identify and develop a PhD topic within the field of well-being and equity, in consultation with the supervisor
🛠️ Develop the related methodology in consultation with the supervisor
🏫 Enroll in the doctoral program currently being established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS
🔬 Develop and carry out PhD research activities in agreement with the supervisors
📚 Participate in doctoral training, coursework, seminars and relevant capacity-building activities as required by the division
Project Acquisition and Proposal Development Activities
The fourth task area focuses on bringing new funded projects to the division.
🗂️ Identify and screen relevant funding opportunities and calls for proposals aligned with the established areas of work
📝 Assist in the preparation and drafting of selected sections of project proposals and other funding-related materials
📞 Support communication and follow-up with donors and relevant counterparts regarding requirements, processes and application procedures
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🌍 All opportunities in Germany →
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Scholarly and Policy Outputs and Scientific Communication
The fifth task area covers publications and communication on the core research areas, described in the notice as cross-cutting thematic support.
📰 Lead the preparation of the scientific publications required for the completion of the PhD, and draft or contribute to peer-reviewed journals, scientific reports and other research outputs
🎤 Support the presentation of project results at scientific and policy-relevant conferences, and present own findings in events geared towards young scientists
📄 Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, outreach materials and digital resources
The sixth task area is to perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).
🔍 Browse more job opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Key Performance Indicators
The notice lists four indicators against which the work is measured.
⏱️ Timely and high-quality delivery of assigned research activities and the respective publications
🏁 Timely and high-quality achievement of PhD milestones according to the requirements
🏛️ Contribution to the project, institute and UNU mission
🔐 UNU and the WE division are seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by partners and donors
UN Values Expected from Every Candidate
The competency framework starts with four 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
UN Behaviours Expected from Every Candidate
Five behaviours complete the competency framework.
🔗 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
Education Requirement
🎓 A master's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of WE that qualifies the candidate for doctoral admission
Required Qualifications and Experience
The notice sets four required qualifications.
🧩 Familiarity with concepts and frameworks in transformation, well-being and equity research
🔀 Familiarity with related multi-method approaches, with deeper knowledge of either qualitative or quantitative methods
👥 Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
🗣️ Strong communication skills, including academic writing and the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences
Desired Qualifications and Experience
These qualifications are listed as desired and count in your favour.
⌛ One year of relevant professional or research experience
🌐 Experience in transdisciplinary and international projects
🎨 Familiarity with Futures Literacy and creative methodologies, such as using art, music or any other form of art for convening and research
🌠 Ability to generate novel research and think out of the box
🪶 Familiarity with different forms of knowledge, including but not limited to indigenous knowledge
🕸️ Familiarity with supporting multi-actor networks
📋 Familiarity with writing project proposals
🙌 Team player with strong interpersonal skills, initiative seeker, strong conceptual and drafting ability
Language Requirements
🇬🇧 Fluency in English is required
🇩🇪 Good knowledge of any additional language, especially German, is an asset
🏘️ Good knowledge of the language spoken in the location of the intended PhD project is an asset
Contract, Pay and Benefits
The successful candidate is employed under a national Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU.
💶 UNU offers a compensation package that includes an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate
🏖️ Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme
🧾 UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration; payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders
📆 The initial contract lasts 1 year, with the possibility of renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance
⏳ The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years, and the mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years
🛂 The post is open to applicants from all countries, and UNU will aid the successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary
📍 It is a locally recruited post, so no relocation allowances apply, and the duty station is Bonn, Germany
🟢 Starting date: as soon as possible
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you do not need an account. The notice asks candidates to complete the following steps.
📑 Fill out the UNU P11 Form, and avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
💬 Provide a motivation statement in the P11 form
✉️ Provide a cover letter setting out how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
❓ Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position
🖱️ Apply via the apply link
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information. Submissions must be received by 23:59 CET on the deadline, and 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.
PSA Status, Diversity and Roster Notice
The special notice sets out several conditions that apply to the post.
🪪 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 (1946)
📌 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; applications from developing countries and from women are strongly encouraged, and 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
🗃️ UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement, and may retain applications and consider candidates 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. If you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, disregard it. Emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced, so apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNU-EHS Research Associate (PSA-3) job in Bonn?
It is a one-year Personnel Service Agreement post in the Well-being and Equity Division of the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security in Bonn, Germany. The post combines research on well-being and equity, proposal writing and a PhD that the Research Associate develops with the supervisors.
Do I have to do a PhD to take this post?
Yes, the PhD is part of the role. The Research Associate identifies a PhD topic in consultation with the supervisor and enrolls in the doctoral program currently being established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS.
Who can apply for this UNU job?
The post is open to applicants from all countries. UNU will aid the successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary, but it is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply.
What qualifications and experience do I need?
You need a master's degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant for the thematic areas of WE that qualifies you for doctoral admission. The required qualifications include familiarity with transformation, well-being and equity research and strong communication skills, while one year of relevant professional or research experience is listed as desired.
Do I need to speak German?
No. Fluency in English is required, while good knowledge of another language, especially German, is an asset.
What does the contract and pay look like?
The post is a national PSA contract with an initial duration of 1 year and possible renewal, up to a combined maximum of six years. UNU offers an annual net salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme, and the notice does not state a salary figure.
How do I apply?
You do not need an account. You submit the UNU P11 Form with a motivation statement, a cover letter, answers to a few position-specific questions, and apply via the apply link.
Does UNU charge a fee to apply?
No. UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026 (23:59 CET)
Links
🔗 Job description (UNU Careers): https://careers.unu.edu/o/research-associate-psa-3-5
📝 Application (UNU Careers): https://careers.unu.edu/o/research-associate-psa-3-5/c/new
🌐 United Nations University: https://unu.edu
🏛️ UNU-EHS: https://unu.edu/ehs
