About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, 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. For more information, please visit

About Institute (UNU-IAS)

UNU-IAS is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. 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

BDS is an Academic Programme of UNU-IAS, which implements activities to promote Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) by enhancing academic excellence. Based on the research outputs, the programme contributes to the achievement of biodiversity-related global goals such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It also facilitates capacity development and peer learning based on accumulated experience and knowledge on SEPLS, such as developing Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR) book series, promoting other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and assisting Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to promote landscape approaches through the process of revision and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to contribute to the GBF and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides operational support for the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as its secretariat, in a fair participatory manner and through a multi-stakeholder engagement process.

Responsibilities

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

1. Support the operation and management of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI);

• Provide operational support for IPSI, including the organisation of IPSI global conferences, IPSI Steering Committee meetings, and related meetings and workshops, in close coordination with members and stakeholders;

• Contribute to data management, archiving, and website updates to effectively support the work of the IPSI secretariat, ensuring the networking and communication with members and others;

• Assist in logistical and financial arrangements, including contract management and procurement for the operation of IPSI;

2. Provide operational support to the implementation of the IPSI Strategy and Plan of Action and the development of the IPSI Actionable Implementation Plan;

• Provide administrative support such as contract management and procurement;

• Assist in organizing meetings, working groups, outreach activities and events, in coordination with members and stakeholders;

• Contribute to information sharing and dissemination, including producing reports and minutes of meetings and distributing information through email and website to partners and stakeholders;

3. Provide operational support to the research and capacity development activities implemented by the BDS programme;

• Assist with overall monitoring and management of schedule, contracts and other administrative tasks for research and capacity development activities, including the Satoyama Development Mechanism (SDM) and the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR);

• Assist in logistical and financial arrangements to organise outreach activities and events for the promotion of the uptake of BDS outputs;

• Assist in coordinating with IPSI members and partners to collect case studies and activities for SELPS revitalisation and to effectively and strategically promote the work of BDS and IPSI

4. Ensure project support for the BDS programme;

• Perform a requisitioner role in processing procurement contracts, purchase orders, and payment requests. Draft a procurement plan for the team and prepare supporting documents for the procurement of goods and services;

• Monitor all institutional and consultant contracts for timely implementation and deliverables. Liaise with the consultants and service providers engaged by the projects;

• Support the project manager in the formulation of work plans with particular attention to timelines, budget, and procurement plans;

• Provide back-up support for travel arrangements as required;

• Liaise with the project network and across the Institute (communications and administrative personnel and project consultants) on administrative matters; and

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of BDS projects

• Timely and quality administrative and logistical support for BDS projects

• Ensures timely administrative and logistical support for assigned projects.

• Maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Education and certification:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in the area of biodiversity, environment, international development, international relations, or a related field

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years or Master's degree with 2 years of progressively responsible experience in a related area. Work experience in international organizations or promoting major international initiatives is an asset.

• Familiarity and interest in current issues on biodiversity conservation and the biocultural diversity approach.

• Knowledge and experience of working with the coordination and organisation of conferences, logistical and financial arrangements.

• Knowledge of the UN governance structure will be considered an added advantage.

• Good computer and organizational skills.

• Excellent analytical skills as well as demonstrated ability to multi-task 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 multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English and Japanese.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary in the range of JPY 413,167 to 456,417 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Application Deadline:
15 January 23:59 (JST) 2026

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Expected start date:
As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

  You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders are neither "staff members" under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor "officials" for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam Warning

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