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 developes 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 Strategic Programme (SP) is a flagship programme implemented by the Strategy and Management Office
(SMO) in collaboration with Units of Thematic Programmes of the Institute and UNU-IAS partners under the Strategic
Period 2020-2024. The Strategic Programme implements a research project on the governance for sustainable
Development focusing on synergies between climate change and sustainable development, budgeting and monitoring &
evaluation system for SDGs.
Under SP, UNU-IAS launched a capacity building programme “Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM)” jointly with the AEON
Environmental Foundation, aiming to enhance the capacity of youth to develop solutions for biodiversity loss and other
global challenges, as well as to create a platform specifically for these young individuals. GYM programme activities mainly
consist of international online training, international conference participation, platform development and the outreach
activities. The Assistant for Global Youth MIDORI platform will undertake various tasks for the Global Youth MIDORI
platform (GYM) () as outlined in the
responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Programme Manager and the direct supervision of Programme Coordinator of the
GEOC, the Assistant for Global Youth MIDORI platform shall:
1. Implement GYM 2026 related activities:
Assist in developing GYM2026 online training programme;
Assist in operation of GYM2026 online training programme including orientation sessions;
Provide logistical support for participants of the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo;
Support GYM2026 participants by providing advise and facilitating networking;
Assist in developing partnership with other youth organizations;
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Assist in preparation and implementation of the outreach events to promote GYM;
2. Perform other duties requested by the Head of Programme and Administration.
Key performance indicators
Development of GYM2026 training course Programme
Building network with GYM2026 participants and other youth organizations
Participation in regular project meetings
Timely response to email communications
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
Completion of high school diploma is required
OR
Bachelor degree in Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, international relations and other relevant subjects will be given due consideration.
2) Experience
Experience in participating in capacity-building activities targeted youth on climate change, biodiversity or other sustainability-related field, with relevant certificates.
Involvement in projects, programmes, or initiatives related to climate change, biodiversity, or other sustainability-related fields.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
ICT literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
Duration
1 July 2026 – 31 March 2027 (Negotiable)
Number of openings
2
Remuneration
Daily fee: JPY 15,800
Total amount (maximum): JPY 568,800
Payment schedule and conditions:
Payment, inclusive of all fees, will be made based on the daily rate and the number of worked days at the end of
each month upon submission of a time sheet and a brief activity report.
The Consultant shall work 4 days per month on average (a maximum of 36 days during the contract).
UNU-IAS shall reserve the right to withhold, in full or in part, the final payment if in its opinion the deliverables are
not satisfactory.
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
1 July 2026
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
29 May 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
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