Japan: Programme Assistant - ESD

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

United Nations University objectives

The United Nations University 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.

Background

The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Project contributes to designing and undertaking interdisciplinary, policy-oriented research and capacity development activities through two flagship initiatives: the global multistakeholder network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on ESD and thePromotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network (ProSPER.Net), an alliance of higher education institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and under the direct guidance and supervision of the ESD Project Director, the Programme Assistant shall perform the following tasks:

• Provide administrative assistance in travel arrangements, procurements, and payments for the project.
• Render logistical support for the organisation and follow-up of conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events.
• Maintain documentation and a filing system for the project.
• Assume responsibilities for clerical support to the Project Director.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required qualifications and experience

• A university degree, in a field related to Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies or Environmental Science.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a related area. Work experience in office administration or related duties at international organizations is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience of working with coordination and organisation of conferences, logistical and financial arrangements, and, ideally, sustainable development-related issues. Knowledge of the UN governance structure will be considered an added advantage.
• Knowledge of international educational development, ESD, international and comparative education, and/or environmental education is a definite advantage.
• Good computer and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English and Japanese.
• 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 commensurate with qualifications and experience, and will 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

April 2016 (negotiable).

More information at: http://unu.edu/about/hr/administrative/programme-assistant-esd.html#applications_procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to esdpapsa@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 organisations)
• a brief resume in Japanese (for Japanese only)
• 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 (2016/UNU/IAS/PSA/PA/14)

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)