Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development, and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Established to contribute to resolving pressing global problems, UNU has been a key think tank for over four decades, focusing on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers across 12 countries, UNU's work encompasses the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization maintains over 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions worldwide. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Assistant position at UNU-IAS involves supporting research activities in the Noto region, focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and resilient regional development. The role requires conducting field research, collecting and analyzing data, and developing research reports and policy recommendations. The Assistant will engage with local stakeholders to ensure research aligns with community needs and priorities. Additionally, the position includes supporting disaster recovery and GIAHS-related projects, planning educational programs, and facilitating meetings. The Assistant will work closely with the Director of UNU-IAS and the Director of OUIK, collaborating with UNU personnel and local organizations to achieve project goals and contribute to the mission of UNU.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting research activities in the Noto region by assisting in field research related to sustainability, biodiversity, and regional development.
• Collecting and analyzing data through interviews, surveys, and environmental assessments.
• Developing research reports, policy recommendations, and academic publications.
• Engaging with local stakeholders to ensure research aligns with community needs.
• Assisting in planning and organizing events that support disaster recovery efforts in the Noto region.
• Collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations for event execution.
• Providing on-site support for events, including facilitation and documentation.
• Supporting the development of educational programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between local communities and external stakeholders.
• Liaising with local communities, businesses, and government agencies to foster collaborations. 1
• Organizing working group meetings, preparing materials, taking minutes, and facilitating discussions. 1
• Ensuring timely and quality development of policy and knowledge products, and contributing to project and institute goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as sustainability, environmental studies, regional planning, or social sciences. They should have at least 3 years of working experience in an academic institution or equivalent, with a focus on event planning, project coordination, or research support, preferably in sustainability or community engagement. Strong writing and editing skills, proficiency in standard office software, and the ability to work in multicultural environments are essential. Familiarity with disaster recovery, rural revitalization, and biodiversity conservation is preferred, along with experience in media and communications for public outreach.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as sustainability, environmental studies, regional planning, social sciences, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainability and regional development, as well as for engaging effectively with local communities and stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in an academic institution or a similar environment. Candidates should have experience in event planning, project coordination, or research support, particularly in areas related to sustainability, regional development, or community engagement. Familiarity with local governance structures and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including NGOs and community organizations, is highly valued.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in Japanese is required (JLPT N1 or equivalent), along with professional working proficiency in English. Knowledge of an additional UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a consultant contract basis for a duration of 1 year, with a daily fee of JPY 18,100, totaling a maximum of JPY 2,606,40

• The successful candidate is expected to work up to 3 days per week, with a maximum of 144 working days during the contract period. Payment will be made based on the daily rate and actual working days, following the submission of attendance sheets and monthly activity reports. It is important to note that UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position, and consultants do not hold international civil servant status. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and individuals from developing countries.