For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 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.

UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)

UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia. For more information please visit http://ias.unu.edu.

The International Satoyama Initiative (ISI) project

The International Satoyama Initiative (ISI) project at UNU-IAS supports the Satoyama Initiative concept through a range of activities, including (a) network building, (b) capacity building, (c) outreach and communication, and (d) research activities. The Satoyama Initiative is a global effort to realise societies in harmony with nature, through promoting the maintenance and rebuilding of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) for the benefit of biodiversity and human well-being. ISI also serves as Secretariat of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI).

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and under the direct guidance and supervision of the ISI Project Director, the Programme Associate shall be responsible for the following duties:

• assume responsibilities for the ISI as a programmatic secretary, assisting with the day-to-day management and operation of programmatic activities such as fund raising, programmer outreach, event coordination and logistics, writing, editing, translation, and other tasks
• assist in building knowledge and information relevant to the Satoyama Initiative through collecting and analyzing case studies from members of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as a part of the secretariat
• assist with implementation and facilitation of research projects related to the Satoyama Initiative and scientific assessments for Satoyama-Satoumi
• perform any other duties as may be assigned or required by the Project Director

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

• a master’s degree or equivalent in the area of environment, development, social sciences, or a related discipline
• at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a related area; work experience in international organisations or promoting major international initiatives is an asset
• knowledge and experience of working with coordination and organisation of conferences, including logistical and financial arrangements; knowledge of the UN governance structure will be considered an added advantage
• good computer and organisational skills
• excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English and Japanese; knowledge of another UN official language is an asset
• excellent analytical skills as well as demonstrated ability to multitask and to manage own workload and schedule to deliver timely results
• 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

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and will range from JPY 350,000 to 400,000 per month. There are no other fringe benefits.

Duration of contract

This is full-time employment on a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) with UNU-IAS. Initial appointment will be for one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.