DAAD United Nations University 2022 Doctoral Research Scholarship for Researchers: (Deadline 10 July 2022)

The United Nations University (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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

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 are of concern to 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. https://flores.unu.edu/

Doctoral Research

UNU-FLORES is delighted to announce a Doctoral Researcher opportunity as part of the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research work under one of three topic areas under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and Technische Universitaet Dresden. Students will also collaborate with fellow doctoral students and senior scientists in research, event organisation and participation, publications where possible, and contribute to the Implementation Plan of UNU-FLORES and the mission of the United Nations. As a facet of the project, the students must consider the impact of their research on communities, and the potential for their research to be transferred upon completion of the doctorate.

About United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation headquartered in Japan. The mission of the UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. In carrying out this mission, the UN University works with leading universities and research institutes in UN Member States, functioning as a bridge between the international academic community and the Un.

Doctoral Research Scholarship

• Type PhD
• Organisation United Nations University (UNU)
• Country to study Germany
• School to study–
• Course to study Not specified
• State of Origin
• Gender Men and Women
• Application Deadline July 10, 2022

Aim and Benefits of Doctoral Research Scholarship

The DAAD-GSSP pays a monthly stipend of EUR 1200 for the duration of the Doctoral Research (up to a maximum of four years). The stipend is expected to cover all living and education expenses. While the Doctoral programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR 250-300 will need to be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. For additional information on the programme and the admission procedure, please visit our website. The DAAD can also provide health insurance and introductory German classes. An additional allowance for travel or research will be part of the scholarship offered by the DAAD. Details will be shared with nominated candidates.

Requirements for Doctoral Research Scholarship Qualification

Project 1 Required Qualifications and Experience 

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public or Environmental Management, Environmental Assessment, Economy or related disciplines;
• At least two years of experience in environmental assessment/management, at least partially in the context of water or agriculture, sustainability, some of which preferably in an international setting;
• The Master’s degree must be completed at the time of starting the fellowship;
• The last master’s degree may not have been completed more than six years ago at the time of nomination;
• At the time of nomination, applicants may not have been in Germany for longer than fifteen months;
• Knowledge of environmental and socio-economic issues in agriculture and water management;
• Experience with policy analysis is required;
• Ability to conduct inter-and transdisciplinary research;
• Experience in communication with multiple stakeholders;
• Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required;
• Strong conceptual abilities; knowledge of geographical information systems and/or statistical methods and climate change scenarios would be desirable;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Experience in inter and transdisciplinary research, including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;
• 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;
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required; Knowledge of another UN official working language, particularly Spanish or French is advantageous.

Project 2 Required Qualifications and Experience 

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Environmental Sciences, Geography, Coal or Environmental Geology, Public or Environmental Management, Environmental Assessment, or related disciplines
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in environmental assessment/management, at least partially in the context of the coal phaseout and/or an international setting;
• The Master’s degree must be completed at the time of starting the fellowship;
• The last master’s degree may not have been completed more than six years ago at the time of nomination;
• At the time of nomination, applicants may not have been in Germany for longer than fifteen months;
• Knowledge of environmental and social issues in coal regions in Latin America (preferably Colombia);
• Ability to conduct inter-and transdisciplinary research;
• Experience in communication with multiple stakeholders related to the coal transition;
• Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required;
•  Strong conceptual abilities; knowledge of geographical information systems and/or statistical methods would be desirable;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Experience in inter and transdisciplinary research, including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;
• 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;
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required; Proficiency in Spanish is required;
• Knowledge of German and/or another UN official working language is an asset.

Project 3 Required Qualifications and Experience

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Environmental Science,  Physical Geography, Climatology, Hydro Sciences, Soil Science, Remote Sensing, Agricultural Sciences or related disciplines;
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in dryland agro-climatology or a similar field;
• The Master’s degree must be completed at the time of starting the fellowship;
• The last master’s degree may not have been completed more than six years ago at the time of nomination;
• At the time of nomination, applicants may not have been in Germany for longer than fifteen months;
• Knowledge of specific challenges for agriculture, climatology and hydrology in drylands;
• Demonstrated knowledge of remote sensing and geographic information systems;
• The ability to analyse meta-data and application of R or Python for analyses or visualisation is desirable;
• Ability to conduct inter-and transdisciplinary research;
• Experience in communication with multiple stakeholders;
• Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required;
• Strong conceptual abilities;  ability to plan and conduct fieldwork;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Experience in inter and transdisciplinary research, including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;
• 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;
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required; Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Doctoral Research Scholarship

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Application Deadline

July 10, 2022

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations University (UNU) on i.unu.edu to applyTo apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply line
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
• Please submit the following documents as one PDF file (please note you must upload your file on the apply page where it requests the P11 Form)

1. fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
2. A completed and signed Doctoral Programme application form
3. A letter of motivation confirming which project you are applying for;
4. A Curriculum Vitae;
5. A list of publications;
6. A summary of the doctoral project (max. 1 page);
7. A work schedule and timetable for the doctoral project, including details of any upcoming phases abroad/field research;
8. Copies of ALL university degrees and transcripts;
9. Proof of internships completed;
10. Evidence of language skills (see application form);
11. Abstract of MSc thesis (or equivalent);
12. Two recommendation forms (from two of your university professors).

Candidates who do not provide all required documents will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

For more details, visit UNU website.

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