Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator, the Programme Associate shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Support the operation and management of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI);

Provide operational support for IPSI, including the organisation of IPSI global conferences, IPSI Steering Committee meetings, and related meetings and workshops, in close coordination with members and stakeholders;

Contribute to data management, archiving, and website updates to effectively support the work of the IPSI secretariat, ensuring the networking and communication with members and others;

Assist in logistical and financial arrangements, including contract management and procurement for the operation of IPSI;

2. Provide operational support to the implementation of the IPSI Strategy and Plan of Action 2023-2030 and the development of the IPSI Actionable Implementation Plan;

Provide administrative support such as contract management and procurement;

Assist in organizing meetings, working groups, outreach activities and events, in coordination with members and stakeholders;

Contribute to information sharing and dissemination, including producing reports and minutes of meetings and distributing information through email and website to partners and stakeholders;

3. Provide operational support to the research and capacity development activities implemented by the BDS programme;

Assist with overall monitoring and management of schedule, contracts and other administrative tasks for research and capacity development activities, including the Satoyama Development Mechanism (SDM) and the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR);

Assist in logistical and financial arrangements to organise outreach activities and events for the promotion of the uptake of BDS outputs;

Assist in coordinating with IPSI members and partners to collect case studies and activities for SELPS revitalisation and to effectively and strategically promote the work of BDS and IPSI

4. Ensure project support for the BDS programme;

Perform a requisitioner role in processing procurement contracts, purchase orders, and payment requests. Draft a procurement plan for the team and prepare supporting documents for the procurement of goods and services;

Monitor all institutional and consultant contracts for timely implementation and deliverables. Liaise with the consultants and service providers engaged by the projects;

Support the project manager in the formulation of work plans with particular attention to timelines, budget, and procurement plans;

Provide back-up support for travel arrangements as required;

Liaise with the project network and across the Institute (communications and administrative personnel and project consultants) on administrative matters; and

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• 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 the biocultural diversity approach.
• Knowledge and experience of working with the coordination and organisation of conferences, logistical and financial arrangements.

• 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 the biocultural diversity approach.
• Knowledge and experience of working with the coordination and organisation of conferences, logistical 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 to 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.

How to Apply:

Please visit: https://careers.unu.edu/o/programme-associate-bds2025-psa3

• 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:  

16 July 23:59 (JST) 2025