Job Vacancy // Secretary of the Dresden Nexus Conference at UNU-FLORES

Background

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development, and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of 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.

UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

The mission of UNU-FLORES is to contribute to the development of integrated and sustainable management strategies for the use of water, soil, and waste resources, in particular in developing and emerging countries in scientific, educational, managerial, technological, and institutional terms. Potential issues of focus include urban water management, nutrient cycles and budgets, methods for reclamation and rehabilitation of degraded sites, site-specific river-basin scale water management, interaction of land use management and water inventory under differing climate conditions, and efficient site-adapted waste management strategies, among others. The Institute will develop innovative concepts for target- and region-specific knowledge transfer as well as appropriate methodologies and approaches for postgraduate and professional education. The Institute is located in Dresden, Federal Republic of Germany. For more information please visit http://flores.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Officer-in-Charge of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Academic Officer – Water Resources Management and Communications & Advocacy Officer, the incumbent shall perform the following tasks:

• serve as the secretary of the Dresden Nexus Conference 2019
• provide coordination and logistical support for preparatory meetings within and outside of the organisation
• support the development of substantive input to the conference organisers, such as a theme and programme for the event, the identification of speakers, moderators, panellist, session conveners, etc.
• assist in drafting and disseminating diverse communication, including concept notes, logistics note(s), calls for submissions, invitation letters, and other exchanges as deemed necessary by the supervisor(s)
• support participant management in cooperation with co-organisers by using specialised conference software to, for instance, ensure the timely submission of all presentations prior to the conference from selected speakers and their registration
• coordinate venue management in cooperation with co-organisers, such as the selection process of a venue and the on-site oversight of the arrangements (audio-visual equipment, catering, etc.)
• assist in monitoring the effective delivery of information material, such as an up-to-date conference website displaying submission and registration processes, the venue, travel arrangements, speakers, and any other developments
• assist in post-conference management, including follow up with participants, and the post-event analysis of data for the production of an internal summary report and de-brief
• perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor(s)

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

• (university) degree in communications, social or natural sciences, and/or event/hotel management (hospitality), or equivalent technical qualifications
• 2 years of professional experience, preferably in event management within the academic or political sector and operations logistics in a multicultural environment
• highly motivated in coordinating and planning events
• experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) required, with a particular emphasis on conference management systems
• demonstrated ability to liaise with government, academic, and civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in a professional and friendly manner
• a good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• excellent administration, organisational, and time management skills
• excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and German is a must

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Specifications of contract

This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-FLORES, with the possibility for renewal subject to fund availability and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointment shall not exceed six (6) years. The successful candidate will be employed under a personnel service agreement, based in Dresden, Germany, and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Application

Applications from suitably qualified woman candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged. Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to hrflores@unu.edu), and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
• the email and the application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2017/UNU/FLORES/PSA/DNC/98)

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Starting date

As soon as possible. Source: UN University website