United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU’s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

Office of the Rector

The Office of the Rector supports the Rector in his capacity as chief academic and administrative officer of the UNU. The Office assists in executive management and coordination of the UNU system and provides overall direction in matters of governance and policy development. The Office supports the work of the University’s governing board, the UNU Council, and manages the legal affairs of the University.

Responsibilities

The Associate Programme Officer provides support to key processes and meetings of the Office of the Rector, working nimbly and efficiently to address a range of issues. They provide high-quality analysis and concise written product to support high-level meetings and processes, working on crosscutting matters at the intersection of political affairs, strategic communications, legal affairs, and coordination with other UN entities.

1. Support the Programme Officer and Chief of Staff in executing a range of processes and meetings by providing concise written analysis and managing follow-through:

• Drafting correspondence, analyses, minutes, talking points, speeches, articles, briefing notes, memorandum of understanding, affiliation agreements, and other materials.
• Supporting meetings with high-level internal and external stakeholders, including through preparation, attendance, notes, and follow up.

2. Support the execution of events and establishment of new partnerships

• Support the coordination and execution of events with key stakeholders, including the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign embassies in Japan, and other UN agencies, including by liaising with co-organizers, participants, vendors, and facility coordinators.
• Support the Rectorate in following through with key opportunities and substantive partnerships.

3. Manage discreet projects and UN system frameworks

• Take full ownership of UNU system-wide processes that include data gathering, coordination, and synthesis of complex information.
• Manage and execute UNU’s contributions to and participation in a range of UN system-wide frameworks, plans, and processes.
• Managing the response to external UNU queries sent to UNU mailboxes.

4. Manage the Junior Fellow internship programme

• Takes full responsibility for the Junior Fellows programme in the Office of the Rector, including by executing recruitment, visa applications, direct supervision, work assignments, payment of stipends, and all other relevant support and management of interns in the Rector’s Office.
• Supports the onboarding of new personnel in the Rector’s office.

5. Perform other official duties and which may be assigned by the Programme Officer or Chief of Staff.

Key Performance Indicators

• The Rector’s Office is well supported with timely, high-quality written materials (correspondence, reports, articles, talking points, minutes, etc.) created efficiently. The Rector’s Office is well prepared and supported for key meetings, including necessary pre-briefing and follow-up.
• Junior Fellows programme proceed smoothly and receive positive feedback.
• Public and internal political events at UNU are executed smoothly, and the Rector is well-supported in following through with opportunities for substantive partnerships.
• UNU’s participation in UN system-wide frameworks is managed efficiently.

Competencies

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

1) Education and certification

• Master’s degree in administration, law, economics, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

2) Required skills and experience

• A minimum of one (1) year (with master’s degree) or at least 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in an academic institution, international organization, NGO, or similar institution;
• Exceptional English drafting, writing, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to distill complex matters into concise written products;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work against tight deadlines;
• Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Work experience in the interface of research, capacity building, and policy engagement is an asset;
• Experience with the United Nations system or similar international organization and with relevant policies, guidelines and procedures is an asset.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (of/in the range of) JPY 6470,000 – JPY 7374,000, 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.

Starting date

1 May 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

23 March 2025

Submissions must be received by mid-night JST time-zone on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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.