Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and under the direct guidance and supervision of the

Biodiversity and Society (BDS) Programme Manager, the Research Fellow and Academic Associate shall perform designing and coordinating research and knowledge management activities in the area related to BDS programme including the

Satoyama Initiative and socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes, for the further development of

the Satoyama Initiative and the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI). This will include:

1.　　Design and implement research and its outreach activities focusing on the following areas;

Engage in the research activities related to current discussion themes at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from the perspective of the BDS programme;

Undertake and/or support knowledge facilitation activities of IPSI Secretariat to effectively implement the Strategy and Plan of Action 2023-2030 of IPSI;

Identify opportunities and build strategic partnerships and networks in line with UNU-IAS Strategic Plan for expanding research impact;

2.       Promote research cooperation on socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes on the following areas;

Promote the cooperation with other research institute(s) including the member organizations of IPSI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of research activities of the BDS programme;

Contribute to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and where appropriate, involve in its activities;

Engage with UN bodies, UNU institutes, and academic institutions worldwide to foster collaboration on socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes;

3.       Provide support for knowledge dissemination focusing on the following areas;

Develop strategies for the dissemination and transfer of knowledge to other regions that face similar challenges;

Publish academic papers and policy-oriented documents related to the BDS programme;

Participate in relevant conferences and events and present the knowledge acquired from the research, capacity building and educational activities of the BDS Programme;

Co-develop the communication materials related to the research, capacity building and educational activities of the BDS programme liaising closely with the UNU-IAS communication team;

4.       Contribute to activity areas related to the BDS programme under the UNU-IAS post graduate programme on following areas;

Develop and implement curricula related to PDT programme focusing on the socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes;

Contribute to activity areas related to the BDS programme under the UNU-IAS post graduate programme, which can include giving lectures, advising students, and other educational activities;

Provide assistance in new students’ selection process including screening and interviews and other support as required;

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

Ph.D. either in environmental studies, in environmental governance, or in spatial planning or equivalent field of study

Required:

• Skills and knowledge to compile and synthesize data and conduct statistical analysis
• Knowledge of environmental management and governance issues
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and outreach knowledge on research into policy and framework development among the stakeholders
• Excellent analytical skills as well as demonstrated ability to multi-task and to manage own workload and schedule to deliver timely results
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills
• 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

Desired:

• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an advantage
• Experience working as an IPBES expert is an advantage

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 614,417 - 678,917 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.

How to Apply:

Please visit: https://unu.recruitee.com/o/research-fellow-and-academic-associate-biodiversity-and-society-psa-6

• 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

Application Deadline:  

19 January 2025 (JST)