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 Office of the Communications

Located at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, the Office of Communications supports the Rector in communication about UNU’s work, engagement with key stakeholders, and visibility of UNU activities in Japan and globally. The Office coordinates global UNU communications, maintains the UNU system website platform and Headquarters social media accounts, develops the University’s visual identity, advises on the editorial tone and style for communications products, and coordinates Tokyo’s media relations and stakeholder outreach.

The work of the UNU Office of Communications focuses on communicating UNU research outcomes in clear, accessible language that reaches the right audiences. To achieve this, the Office employs high quality design, produces engaging content in English and Japanese, and deploys a wide range of communication assets in collaboration with a global network of institute communications teams and partners.


Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Communications

1. Support the visibility and interest of UNU’s Japan Outreach through digital and social media

  • Manage development, editing and posting of original and translated content for UNU Japanese social media accounts;

  • Develop, edit, administer, and disseminate website content in Japanese for UNU projects, publications, events, and activities;

  • Brainstorm and build first draft social media strategies and campaigns to increase followership and engagement;

  • Model social media best practices for the broader UNU system;

  • Use media monitoring tools to consistently measure and report on the efficacy of UNU social media efforts, and to inform future social media strategy.

2. Assist and support the organization of online and in-person events related to Japan Outreach

  • Manage the logistics for, and support organization of, outreach events and activities, and assist in the promotion of the activities to reach a wider audience in both Japan and overseas;

  • Assist with UNU events including promotion, registration, invitations, and same-day support (including attending events when needed).

3. Support the translation of English material into Japanese and assist in editing and proofreading Japanese content.

  • Draft, edit, and proofread various materials in English and/or Japanese.

4. Assist with building UNU communication products in Japanese

  • Compile and manage translation of content for the UNU quarterly Japanese e-newsletter INSIGHTS, the UNU Annual Report, short-form research commentary and other editorial products;

  • Suggest ideas for and assist with building other communications products  

5. Support other OC work (including marketing, dissemination, content syndication, media relations, etc.) and perform other OC related duties as required. Some after-hours work may be required.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Increase of engagement, followship and influence of UNU social media accounts in Japan

  • Increase of audience attending UNU events in Japan

  • Increase of awareness campaigns for a Japanese audience

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

  • High school diploma OR Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, Applied Languages, Digital Marketing or a related discipline.

2) Required skills and experience

  • High school diploma with two years of relevant working experience in communications or social media

  • Exemplary Japanese and English reading, speaking and writing skills

  • Experience with social media monitoring tools

  • Demonstrated ability to create social content for various platforms and audiences.

  • Experience working in teams and in a multicultural context.

  • Dynamism, drive and ability to operate with minimum supervision.

3) Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and Japanese is required


Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (of/in the range of) JPY 4,324,000 - JPY 4,932,000, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days 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 Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.


Starting date

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

13 August 2026

Submissions must be received by 23:59, JST time-zone 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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