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 United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK) was established in April 2008 with strong support by local governments of Ishikawa Prefecture and Kanazawa City in Japan. OUIK has provided local and regional input into UNU’s sustainable development and international cooperation efforts in collaboration with other organizations, including UN agencies, academic institutes and local partners by implementing research on sustainable utilization of biodiversity and ecosystem services. OUIK also aims at developing communication and networks with local stakeholders through public outreach and capacity building, while sharing information about international trends.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Project Manager of OUIK, in coordination with the OUIK team members, the Assistant will support research and community activities related to traditional gardens and community green spaces in Kanazawa and surrounding areas for the Sustainable Urban Nature Project. The role includes practical tasks such as organizing information, supporting events, and assisting communication between researchers and local stakeholders.
Areas of Responsibility:
1. Research and Stakeholder Engagement Support
Assist in arranging and preparing interviews with garden owners, caretakers, researchers, and local stakeholders.
Take notes during interviews, meetings, and community activities.
Support transcription and translation (Japanese–English) of interview recordings and meeting notes.
Organize and summarize information collected through interviews and activities.
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Assist in preparing concise summaries of discussions and key findings.
2. Event and Field Activity Support
Support the preparation and logistics of workshops, field visits, and community events, including Hatake Talks and related activities.
Assist with coordination of schedules, meeting arrangements, and preparation of materials for activities and events.
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Help document activities through photographs, short texts, and basic reports.
3. Communication and Outreach Support
Assist in preparing presentation materials, short reports, newsletters, and website content related to the project.
Support communication and coordination among team members and external stakeholders as necessary.
4. Administrative and Organizational Support
Help organize files, data, records, and other project-related materials.
Maintain and update organized project documentation and supporting materials.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Key performance indicators
Timely and accurate completion of assigned tasks, including note-taking, transcription, translation, and preparation of summaries
Clear and well-organized documentation of interviews, meetings, workshops, and community activities
Timely preparation of basic materials for communication, such as short texts, slides, and simple reports
Reliable and proactive support to OUIK team members and project activities
Responsible and able to complete assigned tasks within agreed timelines
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
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Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Education and certification
A bachelor's degree or higher in environmental studies, social sciences, sustainability, urban studies, geography, international relations, or other relevant fields. A high school diploma with additional years of relevant work experience may be considered.
Experience
1 year or more of experience in an academic institution or equivalent
Interest in sustainability, biodiversity, environment, community activities, or related topics
Experience in communicating and working with people from diverse backgrounds
Experience in supporting events, research activities, or group projects is an asset
Experience in working both independently and as part of a team
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
June 2026 – 31 September 2026 (tentative)
Remuneration
Daily fee: JPY 15,800 per day.
Total amount: JPY 758,400 (maximum), 48 days.
Payment schedule and conditions:
Payment, inclusive of all fees, will be made at the beginning of each month based on the applicable daily rate and the number of days worked, upon submission of a timesheet and a brief activity report. The consultant shall work up to 3 days per week on average (a maximum of 48 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
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 June 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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