The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
UNU-IAS is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IAS is a UNU institute based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia. For more information please visit http://ias.unu.edu.
BDS is an Academic Programme of UNU-IAS, which implements activities to promote Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) by enhancing academic excellence. Based on the research outputs, the programme contributes to the achievement of biodiversity-related global goals such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It also facilitates capacity development and peer learning based on accumulated experience and knowledge on SEPLS, such as developing Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR) book series, promoting other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and assisting Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to promote landscape approaches through the process of revision and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to contribute to the GBF and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides operational support for the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as its secretariat, in a fair participatory manner and through a multi-stakeholder engagement process.
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.
Quality of scientific and policy-oriented research produced
Timely and quality development and implementation of BDS projects
Quality and level of communication with partners related to the project operation
Values:
Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Education and certification:
Ph.D. either in environmental studies, in environmental governance, or in spatial planning or equivalent field of study
Experience:
3 years of relevant experience is 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
Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an advantage
Experience working as an IPBES expert is an advantage
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
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
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.
Expected start date:
April 2025
How to Apply
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:
19 January 2025 (JST)
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
PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and 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.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
or