Responsibilities 

Under the overall guidance of the Director of UNU-IAS, and under the direct supervision of the OUIK Director, the Research Associate, based in Ishikawa Prefecture, will assist in the implementation of the overall goals of the Institute as well as the operation of the Operating Unit. Specific tasks will include the following:

1. Support and promote the GIAHS biodiversity monitoring research project;

• Collaborate with local scientific experts, educators, and government officials to establish citizen participatory biodiversity monitoring system as a member of Noto GIAHS Biodiversity Working Group;
• Lead the monitoring research activities on Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi and the changes in their biodiversity;
• Engage in outreach of the outcome in a scientific format in collaboration with local scientific experts (e.g. oral/poster presentation at a conference, academic publication etc.);
• Support disseminating the outcome of its activities within and outside the region to promote the importance of biodiversity in Satoyama and Satoumi;
• Assist in preparation of materials to raise awareness among local residents;

2. Collaborate with local stakeholders and organize human resource development and educational activities;

• Plan and implement GIAHS and SDGs educational activities in Noto area;
• Assist in organizing local workshop and field visits to promote GIAHS and OUIK’s research activities;
• Support GIAHS international exchange programmes;

3. Assist in programme support and networking;

• Assist in coordination to promote policy and research exchange among stakeholders including local research and education institutes;
• Promote collaborative activities with FAO including East Asia Research Association for Agricultural Heritage Systems (ERAHS) and Noto Regional GIAHS Exclusive Committee;
• Maintain and further develop existing cooperation with UN agencies, international GIAHS research networks, local and global universities, and other external partners; and

4. Perform any other duties, as may be assigned, or required.

• Familiarity and interest in current issues on biodiversity conservation and relevant programmes
• Experience in working for international collaborative activities
• Experience in working with local schools with conducting surveys and disseminating its result.
• Experience in field research, workshop coordination, conservation and educational activities in production landscapes and seascapes
• A good team player with strong inter-personal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, 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

Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in relevant fields of biodiversity, conservation ecology, landscape management, environmental studies (including social science), or public policy

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary (of/in 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.

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.

For details, please visit the following site:

Research Associate, OUIK (PSA), United Nations University, Tokyo (UNU-IAS)