Sample cover letter for Full Time position at UN University

Dear Dr. Renaud,

Please find attached my CV in application for the position as Research Associate at United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).

The content of my studies as well as the field of interest within the framework of my master thesis has prepared me best to fill this position. My education at the University of Münster (Germany) involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills, which include data collection and management, analytical techniques and writing skills. For a theoretical Hands-on session, Graduate School Society, Space, Power and Planning in the Parc Miribel-Jonage in Lyon (France), understanding the collected data was critical to capture the spatial and social dynamics involved in and around this area. Multilingual skills as well as intercultural competence was required to coordinate the task in our trinational (French-German-Cameroonian) working group and a deep understanding of GIS systems (ArcGIS 10.2) was also essential to produce self-descriptive maps. I found this subject very stimulating.

Through my studies and an internship with GAF AG in Munich (Germany) I have collected a great experience in the field of remote sensing. Within my master thesis with the title: "Analyse der Vegetationsdynamik und Bevölkerungsentwicklung im Niger mit Hilfe von statistischen Bevölkerungsdaten und Fernerkundungsmethoden: Ein Beitrag zur Problematik der sozialen Vulnerabilität in der Sahelzone", I tried to highlight the effects of the interaction between increased climate variability and vegetation growth on adaptation and mitigation strategies in Niger, using remote sensing techniques. I have won a broad view on the social-ecological context and data situation of the whole West African Sahel region, which was significant for understanding the nexus between climate shocks and population movement in Niger. The expertise drawn from this project will fit excellently in the WASCAL project, where I will enjoy pursuing scientific research on the field of social adaptation to climate change with increasing climate variability in the West African region, as part of a PhD thesis.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,