Country: Japan
Closing date: 22 Dec 2015
Organizational Unit: Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
United Nations University objectives
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training, and the dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building, particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and innovative ideas and dialogue.
UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
UNU-IAS is a new UNU institute, created in January 2014 through the consolidation of the former UNU Institute of Advanced Studies, Yokohama, and the UNU Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP), Tokyo. It is 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.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Project Director of the Water and Urban Initiative (WUI), the Programme Support Assistant shall perform the following tasks:
- Assist in organising various events (conferences, symposia, workshops, seminars, experts meetings, etc.) and handle other relevant administrative processes.
- Assist in planning and development of publishing and outreach of the project.
- Assist in processing contractual agreements with institutional organizations and/or consultants.
- Assist in other day-to-day operation such as processing various procurements and travel.
- Maintain supporting documents and filing system for the projects.
- Provide administrative support to external grants, in particular those from the Japanese Ministries, foundations and other donor agencies, and prepare accounting and financial reports as required.
- In assisting with administrative work, liaise closely with UNU Administrative Office.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned or required by the Programme Director.
Required qualifications and experience
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration or related fields of study with at least 3 years of work experience in office administration or related duties.
- Knowledge and working experience of organization of conferences, logistical and financial arrangements is desirable.
- Familiarity with UN rules and regulation concerning administration, finance, and procurement would be a distinct advantage.
- Excellent communication skills with proficiency in both oral and written English and Japanese.
- Ability to prioritise tasks, to complete them within a limited time frame and to handle multiple concurrent activities.
- A good team player with strong inter-personal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and will start from JPY 300,000 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.
Starting date
1 February 2016
How to apply:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to iaswuipsa@unu.edu), and must include the following:
- a cover letter setting out how the 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 organizations)
- full contact information of three (3) referees (UNU-IAS will directly contact the referees in the event that the candidate is shortlisted)
- an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2015/UNU/IAS/PSA/PSA/80)
Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8)
All information available at: http://unu.edu/about/hr/administrative/programme-support-assistant-4.html#overview