Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager for the BDS programme, the Programme Associate (partnership and negotiation) will engage in biodiversity related policy discussion, capacity development programme, operational support of network managed by UNU-IAS and assistance of research activities to contribute to the promotion of BDS programme through responsibilities for the following duties:

1. Operate the IPSI Secretariat work

• Provide operational support for IPSI, with responsibility for communicating with member organizations;
• Engage in organizing the IPSI related meetings;
• Assist in development and operation of IPSI’s structural framework for implementation of the IPSI Plan of Action 2023-2030;
• Assist in dissemination of outputs of the IPSI related activities;

2. Contribute to International Framework

• Assist in the negotiation process under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other related international conferences to promote uptake of BDS outputs;
• Contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as the focal point of UNU;
• Engage in the Good Practice Task Force under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as a representative of the member organization;

3. Engage in Capacity Development Project

• Assist in the capacity development project based on the BDS’s activity on guideline of development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs);
• Engage in other capacity development projects which contribute to the strategic objectives of the IPSI Plan of Action;

4. Assist with Related Research Activites

• Assist in the development the Satoyama Initiatiave Thematic Review
• Engage in other research related activities which contribute to the strategic objectives of IPSI Plan of Action as needed;

5. Perform any other duties as may be assigned or required by the Project Manager

• Experience in developing and/or managing international network related to biodiversity/cultural diversity or sustainable community development.
• Familiarity with the UN system and the current issues discussed at the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Experience in international negotiating process on biodiversity and sustainable development is desirable.
• Good writing and editing skill for the general public and academic audience.
• Proven ability to efficiently manage a variable workload.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

A Bachelor or higher degree in biodiversity, cultural diversity, sustainable community development or a related field.

Remuneration

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

PSA holders are required to enroll in Japan’s national social health care and pension insurance systems.

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.

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

• Apply via the apply link; 
  Programme Associate (partnership and negotiation), Biodiversity and Society (PSA), United Nations University, Tokyo (UNU-IAS)
• 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.

Application Deadline:  31 August 2023 (UTC)

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

National PSA only: UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

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 organization. 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.

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.

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