United Nations University is recruiting for 2 Remotely based Student Assistants: Apply Now
Closing Date: 20 August 2025
United Nations University is recruiting for 2 Remotely based Student Assistants: Apply Now
About UN 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. The work of UNU 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, UNU’s 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.
About Institute (UNU-EHS)
The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing 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 & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development.
Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII)
The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII), hosted at UNU-EHS, is currently implementing the second phase of the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) project. CRAIC aims to reduce climate-related vulnerability through the promotion of weather-index insurance for low-income and climate-exposed populations in the Caribbean.
As part of its current research workstream, the CRAIC team has conducted a multi-country qualitative study across five countries: Jamaica, Belize, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. This study explores community-level perceptions of climate risk, insurance awareness, and lived experiences related to climate shocks. To support the analysis and dissemination of these findings, MCII is seeking two student research assistants with expertise in qualitative analysis, data visualization, and academic writing to contribute to transcript coding, thematic analysis, data presentation, and development of knowledge outputs.
Responsibilities
The Student Assistants positions will be remotely based within the Climate Risk Finance Solutions Team. Working under the direct supervision of the Associate Academic Officer, the student assistants will be entrusted with the following tasks:
Research & Qualitative Data Analysis Support
- Code and thematically analyze qualitative interview transcripts using MAXQDA.
- Generate coded outputs, thematic summaries, and support the identification of key narratives across the five countries.
- Assist in the visual representation of findings, including graphs, word clouds, and theme maps.
- Draft knowledge outputs including research briefs, internal summaries, and content for presentations.
- Support the creation of PowerPoint presentations that synthesize qualitative findings with finalized quantitative results, ensuring insights are communicated in a clear, coherent, and visually engaging format.
- Participate in internal research discussions, take notes, and help structure outputs according to publication plans.
Knowledge Management & Learning
- Contribute to the preparation of the CRAIC Gender Report and Country Briefs, synthesizing insights across the study countries.
- Support visual and written storytelling for external audiences (e.g. policymakers, donors).
- Assist with layout, editing, and proofing of outputs intended for publication.
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
- Enrolled in a Master’s degree program (Bachelor students in advanced stages may be considered).
- Demonstrated experience in qualitative data analysis, preferably using MAXQDA or similar software such as NVivo and ATLAS.ti.
- Excellent command of written English, strong writing and synthesis skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to organize findings thematically.
- Familiarity with PowerPoint and visual presentation of research.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate within a virtual research team.
2) Required skills and experience
- Experience working with interview data in multicultural or development contexts.
- Understanding of gender-sensitive analysis.
- Interest in climate adaptation, climate risk finance, or disaster risk reduction.
- Familiarity with the Caribbean regional context is an asset.
3) Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and German, both oral and written, is required;
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Travel considerations
Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.
Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, UNU ask that you:
- Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position;
- apply via the apply link.
Click Here To Apply
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