Japan: Programme Assistant — LCT GEOC

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 by consolidating the former UNU Institute of Advanced Studies and UNU Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP). 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.

Low Carbon Technology project

The Low Carbon Technology (LCT) project seeks to analyse international strategies of other active developed nations for promoting low-carbon technology with a view to learning effective strategies for their diffusion to developing countries (especially those in Asia) and building effective partnerships for doing so.

Global Environmental Outreach Centre

The Global Environmental Outreach Centre (GEOC) was jointly established by the Ministry of Environment of Japan and UNU, with the mission to foster partnership between various stakeholders, such as international agencies, national governments, local governments, companies, nonprofit organizations, and citizens, to create a sustainable society. For more information on GEOC, please visithttp://www.geoc.jp/english/geoc.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNU-IAS, and under the direct supervision of the Project Managers of the LCT project and the GEOC, the Programme Assistant will assist in the implementation of the overall goals of the institute as well as the operation of the projects. Specific tasks will include the following;

• Support the Project Managers with both substantive and administrative aspects of the project, including preparation and support for the project’s meetings, workshops, other events.
• Assist in undertaking research and analysis of project.
• Liaise with internal and external project partners and participants concerning logistical and administrative arrangements in both English and Japanese.
• Assist in preparing the meeting documents, minutes, outcomes, related reports and publications in Japanese and English.
• Draft and monitor project budgets.
• Assist in updating the project website and development of the other modalities for public relations.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in fields of environment, sustainable development, low-carbon development, biodiversity, public administration, or any equivalent field of study. Equivalent experience in combination with a bachelor’s degree will be considered.
• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in government, academic or research institutions, consulting firms, NGOs or other relevant organisations. Project management experience is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in project management, coordination and organisation of conferences, logistical and financial arrangements, and ideally sustainable development related issues. Knowledge of the UN governance structure is an asset.
• Good computer and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English and Japanese. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.
• Ability to establish work priorities and deliver within tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities.
• 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 analytical skills as well as demonstrated ability to multi-task and to manage own workload and schedule to deliver timely results.

Remuneration

Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience, and can range from JPY 300,000 to 330,000 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

March 2016 (negotiable).

http://unu.edu/about/hr/administrative/programme-assistant-lct-geoc.html#applications_procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to 2016-ias-psa-13@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); please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
• a curriculum vitae in Japanese
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2016/UNU/IAS/PSA/PA/13)

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)