Communications
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of high-quality learning solutions and other knowledge products and services, intended to develop the capacities of Member States, as well as of individuals, organizations and institutions to take the lead in or meaningfully contribute to the transformational change envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its supporting documents. Guided by the contemporary plans of action and platforms agreed upon by the United Nations and its Member States, the work of UNITAR in the area of designing and delivering people-centred and results-driven products and services is structured along the four key dimensions of Peace, People, Planet and Prosperity with additional units ensuring organization-wide cross-fertilization of knowledge. Such compositions make UNITAR exceptionally fit for the purpose of supporting the indivisible and integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda.
The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HO) and covers the following six key pillars: 1) Empower Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Private Sector Competitiveness; 2) Expand Financial Inclusions & Innovative Finance and Uphold Financial Integrity; 3) Ignite Structural Economic Transformation and Economic/Livelihood Resilience; 4) Advance Decent Work and Labour Inclusion; 5) Promote Energy Transition for Growth; 6) Accelerate Technology and Innovation for Transformation. These activities contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, Industry), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers evidence-based learning services using latest adult-learning methodologies and technologies including micro learning platforms.
The Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel from a variety of sectors including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia and media. The Division will make continuous efforts to target at those who have been left behind including women, LGBTQ, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
The incumbent will raise the visibility of the UNITAR in Japan through enhanced communications.
The incumbent will undertake the following tasks, in close coordination with the communications focal point attached to the Office of the Director of the Division for Prosperity:
- Implement the UNITAR Division for Prosperity communications strategy. This includes ensuring that multilingual, multimedia communications materials are developed and disseminated through the UNITAR website, social media and quarterly newsletters (for the HO and Division for Prosperity) in a timely manner.
- Lead the implementation of strategies specialized in Japanese.
- Develop communication strategies to raise awareness of the UNITAR brand and the HO, especially for the communities in Japan.
- Organize and conduct media events and interviews in Japan to raise the visibility and brand of the UNITAR and the HO. The events include those jointly organized with the UNITAR Association.
- Organize media briefing sessions periodically to notify media of upcoming events and news. Engage and build media relations to ensure coverage of events and activities for UNITAR, including day-to-day communications with local and/or global journalists.
- Support the management of our social media, including enhancing followers/likes and opportunities to be shared by other entities.
- Develop content and design templates using multimedia tools for digital and print use.
- Support partnership building and resource mobilization. This includes providing support in planning and running awareness campaigns for the Division’s projects.
- Lead updating the UNITAR HO website in English and Japanese.
- Support operational work related to the Division for Prosperity’s communication team, including financial and administrative management.
- Undertake other tasks as requested by the Head of Hiroshima Office.
- Submission of input/proposals to enhance awareness of UNITAR, especially in Japan
- Communication strategy implemented and adjusted as needed
- Communications materials (website, social media, print, newsletters, press releases and in-person initiatives), including storytelling materials that describe our training impact, developed and disseminated
- Effective and timely communications within the communications team and with project teams, media, vendors, as well as UN Online Volunteers
- Logistical support provided to the communications team and project teams in a timely manner
- Improved media relations and enhanced global outreach, including coordination for global press release distribution.
- Timely delivery and high-quality deliverables
- Smooth communication within the Division and relevant teams at the headquarters
- Knowledge and expertise in public relations
- Positive feedback from key stakeholders, including donors and participants
The incumbent will report to Head, Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity.
- Professionalism – Demonstrated knowledge of communications and ability to guide colleagues. Proactive attitude towards troubleshooting. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence, reliability, and efficiency in meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. Remains calm and solution-oriented under pressure. Takes responsibility for integrating gender perspectives, accessibility considerations, and inclusive learning approaches in all work.
- Planning and Organizing – Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively to meet agreed timelines and deliverables under minimal supervision.
- Communications – Strong written and oral communication skills in English and in Japanese, with the ability to draft, edit, and present clear content of the operational process, technical guidance, and internal documentation. Listens to others, communicates proactively, shares information openly, and contributes constructively to team collaboration and shared accountability.
- Technology Awareness – Proficiency in standard functions of computer applications and a strong willingness to explore the IT skills for efficient work.
- Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and remote team environment. Demonstrates respect for diversity, collaborates effectively with colleagues and subject matter experts, and contributes positively to team objectives.
Communications
OVERVIEWThe United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of high-quality learning solutions and other knowledge products and services, intended to develop the capacities of Member States, as well as of individuals, organizations and institutions to take the lead in or meaningfully contribute to the transformational change envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its supporting documents. Guided by the contemporary plans of action and platforms agreed upon by the United Nations and its Member States, the work of UNITAR in the area of designing and delivering people-centred and results-driven products and services is structured along the four key dimensions of Peace, People, Planet and Prosperity with additional units ensuring organization-wide cross-fertilization of knowledge. Such compositions make UNITAR exceptionally fit for the purpose of supporting the indivisible and integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda.
The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HO) and covers the following six key pillars: 1) Empower Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Private Sector Competitiveness; 2) Expand Financial Inclusions & Innovative Finance and Uphold Financial Integrity; 3) Ignite Structural Economic Transformation and Economic/Livelihood Resilience; 4) Advance Decent Work and Labour Inclusion; 5) Promote Energy Transition for Growth; 6) Accelerate Technology and Innovation for Transformation. These activities contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, Industry), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers evidence-based learning services using latest adult-learning methodologies and technologies including micro learning platforms.
The Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel from a variety of sectors including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia and media. The Division will make continuous efforts to target at those who have been left behind including women, LGBTQ, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE CONTRACTThe incumbent will raise the visibility of the UNITAR in Japan through enhanced communications.
RESPONSIBILITIESThe incumbent will undertake the following tasks, in close coordination with the communications focal point attached to the Office of the Director of the Division for Prosperity:
- Implement the UNITAR Division for Prosperity communications strategy. This includes ensuring that multilingual, multimedia communications materials are developed and disseminated through the UNITAR website, social media and quarterly newsletters (for the HO and Division for Prosperity) in a timely manner.
- Lead the implementation of strategies specialized in Japanese.
- Develop communication strategies to raise awareness of the UNITAR brand and the HO, especially for the communities in Japan.
- Organize and conduct media events and interviews in Japan to raise the visibility and brand of the UNITAR and the HO. The events include those jointly organized with the UNITAR Association.
- Organize media briefing sessions periodically to notify media of upcoming events and news. Engage and build media relations to ensure coverage of events and activities for UNITAR, including day-to-day communications with local and/or global journalists.
- Support the management of our social media, including enhancing followers/likes and opportunities to be shared by other entities.
- Develop content and design templates using multimedia tools for digital and print use.
- Support partnership building and resource mobilization. This includes providing support in planning and running awareness campaigns for the Division’s projects.
- Lead updating the UNITAR HO website in English and Japanese.
- Support operational work related to the Division for Prosperity’s communication team, including financial and administrative management.
- Undertake other tasks as requested by the Head of Hiroshima Office.
- Submission of input/proposals to enhance awareness of UNITAR, especially in Japan
- Communication strategy implemented and adjusted as needed
- Communications materials (website, social media, print, newsletters, press releases and in-person initiatives), including storytelling materials that describe our training impact, developed and disseminated
- Effective and timely communications within the communications team and with project teams, media, vendors, as well as UN Online Volunteers
- Logistical support provided to the communications team and project teams in a timely manner
- Improved media relations and enhanced global outreach, including coordination for global press release distribution.
- Timely delivery and high-quality deliverables
- Smooth communication within the Division and relevant teams at the headquarters
- Knowledge and expertise in public relations
- Positive feedback from key stakeholders, including donors and participants
The incumbent will report to Head, Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity.
COMPETENCIES- Professionalism – Demonstrated knowledge of communications and ability to guide colleagues. Proactive attitude towards troubleshooting. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence, reliability, and efficiency in meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. Remains calm and solution-oriented under pressure. Takes responsibility for integrating gender perspectives, accessibility considerations, and inclusive learning approaches in all work.
- Planning and Organizing – Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively to meet agreed timelines and deliverables under minimal supervision.
- Communications – Strong written and oral communication skills in English and in Japanese, with the ability to draft, edit, and present clear content of the operational process, technical guidance, and internal documentation. Listens to others, communicates proactively, shares information openly, and contributes constructively to team collaboration and shared accountability.
- Technology Awareness – Proficiency in standard functions of computer applications and a strong willingness to explore the IT skills for efficient work.
- Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and remote team environment. Demonstrates respect for diversity, collaborates effectively with colleagues and subject matter experts, and contributes positively to team objectives.
Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Language: Fluency in oral and written English and Japanese (mother tongue or JLPT N1) is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Language: Fluency in oral and written English and Japanese (mother tongue or JLPT N1) is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
REMARKS
General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with the local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Contractors on payments made under the contract.
The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Contractors, and Contractors are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8).
NO FEE
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
REMARKS
General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with the local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Contractors on payments made under the contract.
The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Contractors, and Contractors are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8).
NO FEE
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.