About UN 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


About Office/Institute

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 13 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

The Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme is a thematic area of UNU-IAS, aiming to promote research and practices

on innovative and inclusive education and lifelong learning for sustainable development at all ages. It reinforces evidence based policy advice to translate global goals into local actions with a close alignment with the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap. One of the main activities is to strengthen the capacity of UNU-IAS global and regional networks, namely the Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD ()/portal/) and ( ) and collaborate with the networks to facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships.


Responsibilities

The main assignment is to design a new RCE case study publication on RCE projects that feature meaningful youth

leadership, engagement and participation. Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct

supervision of the Head of the Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme the Consultant shall:

1.Design and layout an RCE case study publication, featuring at least 10 cases from RCEs around the world, including

forewords and editorials

  • Collaborate with the IVE programme team, mainly with the Communication Associate to understand the

    expectations and designed outputs;

  • Design the provided text and images into a reader-friendly case publication suitable for both academia and

    practitioners (approximately 100 pages, including covers, B5 format, 176 x 250 mm);

  • Create infographics as necessary (maximum 1-2 per case study);

  • Use colour hues that are black-and-white printing friendly;

  • Procure images (if required) and ensure clearance of copyrights for all images and photos used in the publication.

2. Ensure publication style aligns with the UNU and UN guidelines

  • Follow UN Editorial Manual, available at: ;

  • Adhere to UN publication guidelines, including considerations for gender-responsive images, photo/image

    copyrights, SDG colour schemes, etc

3. Provide both raw/editable files (InDesign or other Adobe applications) and PDF versions of the publication:

  • Deliver the raw file of the design for future edits by the UNU team;

  • Create and submit high-resolution print-ready files and low-resolution web-ready files of the RCE publication;

  • Provide two file formats: (i) single (1 to page) and (ii) double (2 to a page).

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisors, as necessary.

Key performance indicators

  • Timely and quality design and development of the publication

  • Timely and quality delivery of both editable file and pdf file of the finalized publication

  • UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society

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

  • A bachelor's degree or higher in graphic design or a related field

  • A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field

2) Experience

  • Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in graphic design, particularly in designing for

    digital and print publications targeting a broad audience.

  • Familiarity with academic publishing standards, particularly Harvard Style

  • Proficient in Adobe applications, such as InDesign, Creative Cloud, Photoshop

  • Experience in designing publications on the topic of sustainable development and UN

    publications will be highly regarded.

  • The skills of writing of technical documentation, proactive, sound judgment, resilience, and an interest in web development from a user-friendly perspective are desirable.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English is required

  • Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Duration

1 May 2026 – 10 August 2026

Remuneration

Total Amount: JPY 600,300 (maximum)

Payment schedule and conditions: 

The payment will be made upon the completion of the design and layout of the publication and submission of the PDFs (high-res and low-res web- ready files) and formatted design files (Adobe InDesign CC and InDesign Interchange) by 30 June 2026.

Please note that the above timeline is an estimate and subject to change.

 

The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

You are reminded that 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 your sole responsibility. 

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  (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 for more information.

Application Deadline

15 April 2026 (23:59 JST)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations 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. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

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.


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.


At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.