Head of Programme (PSA P5 equivalent; 60% part-time)

United Nations 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 UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)

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 including master’s and doctoral degree 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

Biodiversity and Society (BDS) is an academic programme of UNU-IAS, which implements activities to promote Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) by enhancing academic excellence. Based on the research outputs, the programme contributes to the achievement of biodiversity-related global goals such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It also facilitates capacity development and peer learning based on accumulated experience and knowledge on SEPLS, such as developing Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR) book series, promoting other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and assisting Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to promote landscape approaches through the process of revision and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to contribute to the GBF and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides operational support for the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as its secretariat, in a fair participatory manner and through a multi-stakeholder engagement process. 

The UNU-IAS 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 direct supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, the Programme Head will lead, manage, and supervise the Biodiversity and Society (BDS) Programme, and UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (UNU-IAS OUIK) in line with the UNU-IAS Strategic Plan. Specific responsibilities will include the following: 

1. Establish, develop, and lead academic programme and associated projects of the BDS and OUIK projects, focusing on the delivery of policy-relevant research;

• Contribute to the biodiversity-related international discussion and frameworks such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration; 

• Lead activities of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as the IPSI director, based on the IPSI Plan of Action 2023-2030 and the Actionable Implementation Plan; 

• Promote research activities on SEPLS sustainable management, including the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR);

• Enhance policy advice by building a model for localization of the SDGs and develop a platform to promote multi-stakeholder partnerships within the Hokuriku region, as well as among international networks; and

• Promote field-based research for biodiversity conservation and biocultural diversity, and demonstrate a local-to-local peer learning model in Ishikawa and Kanazawa.

2.  Lead and execute knowledge sharing and outreach activities within the framework of the overall strategic direction of UNU-IAS;

• Oversee the development and management of collaboration with strategic partners and collaborators such as UNEP, CBD, FAO, UNCCD, and other UN(U) partners, as well as local, national, and international partner organisations and institutions; 

• Manage the public outreach projects and disseminate complex information in a manner that ensures the understanding of relevant audiences, using conferences, workshops, seminars, and courses, in the field of BDS and OUIK activities and work; 

• Raise visibility of BDS and OUIK research and project activities through enhancing synergy between BDS/OUIK and UNU-IAS Communications and throughout the institute; and

• Oversee the outreach and presentation of research outcomes through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and policy briefs. 

3.  Lead the fundraising activities of the Institute through project acquisition and research funding;

• Lead efforts in identifying funding opportunities and developing project proposals for BDS and OUIK projects, ensuring coherent policy and research integration; 

• Supervise the fundraising activities of project team members;

• Manage donor relations and resource mobilisation activities for the Institute's research and capacity building programmes, including but not limited to the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOE-J), Ishikawa Prefecture and Kanazawa City, and other local stakeholders; 

• Implement grant initiatives by ensuring grant requirements are developed, managed and fulfilled, and quality reports are submitted on time; and

• Professionally execute grant and project funds with full compliance to donor agreements.

4.  Support the Director of UNU-IAS in institutional development; 

• Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Institute’s strategic and implementation plans;  

• Scrutinise and critique research, proposals, and grant applications; 

• Advise the Director and the management team on Institute-wide strategic programming; 

• Support the advancement of the Institute’s educational programmes and teaching activities; and

• Actively contribute to an inclusive and diverse international work environment. 

5.  Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality implementation of the UNU-IAS work programme, including the level of engagement in leadership activities and quality engagement with researchers, support staff, and consultants of the Institute  

• Quality and level of engagement with policy stakeholders, partners, related networks, and working groups within and outside the UN System 

• Quality and extent of research output, serving academic and policy audiences  

• Increased sustainable donor support to UNU-IAS, including excellent donor relationships and diversified funding sources 

• Performance and well-being of the personnel in the teams

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

• Master’s degree in a field related to environmental science, nature conservation, landscape management, biodiversity, community development, or sustainable development. A bachelor's degree, combined with additional extensive work experience, may be considered.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience, with at least five years in a managerial role, with demonstrable leadership and management

• Demonstrated track record in the research and policy arena in areas related to the programme of BDS and OUIK

• Extensive experience in international conventions and treaties, frameworks, and regional and international cooperation in the fields of biodiversity and nature conservation

• Extensive knowledge of and networks in the international organisations and diplomatic relations, covering the main areas of work by UNU-IAS described above

• Established networks within Japan, connecting the local community and its initiatives

• Excellent writing ability and experience drafting/editing research and policy reports

• Extensive knowledge and experience in fundraising activities and resource mobilization

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to interact with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, with political representatives, and with communities in both industrialized and developing countries

• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

• A proven commitment to human development and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is desirable

• Proven sensitivity to gender issues

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Japanese is required 

• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of JPY 804,790 - JPY 850,177, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 18 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

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 a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

1 October 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

30 July 2026

Submissions must be received by 23:59, Japan Standard Time, on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. 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 organisation. 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. 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 at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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