Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager of the Biodiversity and Society (BDS) programme, the Programme Associate will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Support operational work on the Secretariat of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI);

• Conduct smooth operation of the IPSI Steering Committee meetings, including coordinating with members concerned both internally and externally on from planning, scheduling, to dealing with agendas on IPSI membership application and IPSI collaborative activities, among others, following the IPSI operational guidelines;
• Manage and handle IPSI membership application, IPSI collaborative activities application, and daily communication with members and others to strengthen the network;
• Provide support for holding the IPSI global conferences and other events organised and collaborated by the Secretariat, in its planning, scheduling, and coordination with members concerned both internally and externally;

2. Support the capacity development programme related to the BDS programme;

• Plan and implement the Satoyama Development Mechanism (SDM), including necessary contractual procedure and management of the progress in cooperation with the contractor and practitioners if appropriate;
• Contribute to the SDM project selection process and the Executive Board meetings to discuss its selection;
• Assist in the dissemination of SDM projects information through the website and newsletter, aiming for amplifying the effectiveness of overall SDM project;

3. Assist in implementation and facilitation of research projects related to the Satoyama Initiative;

• Assist in the development of research projects, such as the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR), engaged in logistical and administrative arrangements for its smooth compilation;
• Provide logistical and administrative support for organizing outreach activities for research results;
• Cooperate with other international organizations for Satoyama Initiative to permeate effectively;

4. Assist in administrative activities related to the BDS Project;

• Assist in travel arrangements, contracts, procurements, and related payments;
• Assist in providing logistical support for preparation, organization, and follow-up of conferences, meetings, and other public events;
• Assist in daily communications within UNU-IAS and with partners related to project operations; and

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

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

• 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 biocultural diversity approach.
• Have knowledge and experience in coordinating and organizing conferences, logistics 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.

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 - 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.

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.

Application Deadline:  28 June 2024 (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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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.