Under the overall supervision of the Academic Programme Advisor, and direct supervision of the Head of PDT, the Programme Assistant will undertake the following tasks in consultation with the Programme Coordinator of PDT and other members of PDT:

1. Arranging overall academic affairs, and research administration under the UNU-IAS-PDT, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assist in planning and implementing tasks related to academic affairs, including administrative tasks related to applications, admission, enrolment, scholarship arrangement, development of an academic calendar and a course schedule, student support, research grant, and other relevant matters in coordination with faculty members;
• Prepare documents and reports, including transcripts and academic certificates;
• Prepare and report to faculty meetings and other academic-related meetings on academic affairs;
• Manage an academic learning management system for the courses; and
• Coordinate the preparation and operation of projects and events, including research projects, annual ceremonies, academic workshops, meetings, and other relevant conferences.

2. Arranging overall student services under the UNU-IAS-PDT, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Assist in providing student services including registration, scholarship, student housing, insurance and other day-to-day operations;
• Provide guidance to students and faculty members for the administrative process for academic affairs and student services in a timely manner as required;

3. Assisting coordination tasks related to collaboration with partner institutions, funding organizations and experts focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Maintain contacts with partner universities and potential institutions for academic and student exchange arrangements, including credit recognition between the respective academic courses;
• Liaise with partner universities to organize collaborative activities, including SDGs and University Platform;
• Assist in maintaining good communication with donor organizations for funding arrangements supporting the PDT programmes; and
• Support to outreach efforts for planning and implementation of the promotion activities of the PDT programmes

4. Engaging in management of various administrative matters, including payment process for PDT programmes, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Process various administrative matters, including preparation and documentation of reports, meetings, travel, contracts, procurement, and related payments as required.

5. Perform other duties as requested by the Academic Programme Advisor and the Head of PDT

• Administrative work experience in higher education institutions is required.
• Knowledge and experience related to the administration of academic affairs, student affairs, and research support, preferably in an international setting;
• Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations both in English and Japanese is required;
• Proven ability to efficiently manage a variable activity; good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Proficiency in IT skills and data management, including knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and e-learning programmes such as Moodle; and
• Ability to establish priorities, engage in multitasks, and work with timelines; 

• Knowledge and working experience with the organisation of conferences, including logistical and financial arrangements is desirable
• Work experience in processing contractual agreements is an asset
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Ability to establish priorities, work within tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities

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 360,333 to 398,333 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-assistant-postgraduate-degree-and-training-programme-psa2

• 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:  

11 January 23:59 (JST) 2026