About UN University (UNU)
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
About Institute (UNU-IAS)
United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (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. Through its postgraduate education programmes UNU-IAS develops future international leaders with interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions to problems of sustainability. 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
Responsibilities
The Communications Associate will promote UNU-IAS and its activities to raise visibility and impact, with a particular focus on target audiences in Japan. She/he will play a key role in implementing the communications strategy of UNU-IAS, with the overall goal of shaping, packaging, and delivering the institute’s products and expertise to maximize impact, effect positive change, and drive further demand for UNU-IAS work.
Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and the direct supervision of the Manager of UNU-IAS Communications, the Communications Associate will perform the following tasks: 1. Manage Japanese-language content across the institute’s digital channels and printed products, ensuring coherence, quality, and consistent branding:
- Write, translate, review, edit, and format Japanese-language content for both print and online communications.
- Manage Japanese-language in social media channels and content.
- Source content and liaise with content authors.
- Produce promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, annual reports, and event flyers.
2. Support the implementation and further development of the institute’s communications strategy, targeting audiences in Japan:
- Proactively plan and implement communications campaigns to promote key UNU-IAS activities and outputs.
- Use monitoring tools to measure and report on the efficacy of UNU-IAS communications activities, informing future strategy.
- Formulate and improve tactics for engaging existing audiences and reaching new ones.
3. Generate positive media coverage of UNU-IAS and its activities:
- Support engagement with Japanese-language media by securing and facilitating interviews.
- Proactively build relationships with journalists in print, broadcast, and online media outlets.
- Conduct surveillance of relevant news cycles and social media topics to identify opportunities that align with UNU-IAS strategic priorities, and work with colleagues to capitalise on those opportunities in a timely manner.
4. Facilitate internal communications and collaboration:
- Collaborate with colleagues across UNU-IAS, UNU, and the broader UN system on joint initiatives.
- Develop and manage communications policies, workflows, resources, and guidelines.
- Provide UNU-IAS colleagues with advice, support, and training related to communications initiatives and outputs.
5. Other:
- Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Key performance indicators
- Timely and quality development and management of content for digital and print communications.
- Level of audience engagement through social media channels and other outreach activities.
- Quality and level of engagement with internal partners for sourcing and developing communications content and activities.
- The visibility and impact of UNU-IAS is increased.
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
Qualifications
Education and certification:
Master’s degree with 2 years of relevant working experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant working experience, preferably in an international setting
Experience:
- Strong knowledge of communications theory and practice, including up-to-date knowledge of best practices in social media.
- Experience producing public information materials in Japanese (e.g., articles, press releases, website content, etc.) is required.
- Familiarity with the UN system and current issues related to sustainability.
- Good understanding of the Japanese media and political landscape.
- Experience in media relations is a strong advantage, including established relationships with influential reporters in relevant fields at leading media outlets.
- Skills in photography, photo editing, video production, and graphic design skills are an asset.
- Excellent computer skills and web literacy are essential. Experience using WordPress, Drupal, other free and open-source software, and/or the Adobe suite of creative products is an asset.
- Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Language Requirements:
Excellent writing, editing, and communications skills in both Japanese and English. This position requires native-level Japanese and at least business-level English.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary of the range of JPY 413,167 – 456,417 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
PSA holders are required to enroll in Japan’s national social health care and pension insurance systems.
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:
As soon as possible
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:
07 May 2023 (UTC)
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
National PSA only: UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
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 organization. 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.
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.
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.
