Organizational Context
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
Japan has a steadfast relationship with the UN, and has strengthened its focus on Gender Equality, serving as an Executive Board member since the establishment of UN Women. Recognizing the importance of the political and financial partnership with Japan, a UN Women Japan Liaison Office (JLO) was established in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo in 2015. UN Women’s presence in Japan provides a strategic entry point and an opportunity to liaise and partner with the key decision makers among the Government of Japan, parliamentarians, the private sector, media, academic institutions and civil society organizations. UN Women also works closely with the UN Women Japan National Committee which supports in national advocacy, public awareness building and resource mobilization. UN Women works in close coordination with other UN entities based in Tokyo to promote the gender equality agenda.
The UN Women Japan Liaison Office leads on partnerships development, policy engagement, public advocacy and awareness, and resource mobilization with government actors, private sector entities, civil society and foundations, to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment under the overall guidance of UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the JLO, and in close coordination with UN Women's Communications Division in HQ, the Communication and Advocacy Analyst supports the implementation of advocacy, outreach and communications activities and contributes to building relationships with media institutions, with the aim of increasing the profile of UN Women in Japan.
As part of JLO's advocacy initiatives, the Communication and Advocacy Analyst supports alliance-building activities and campaigns with the private sector, including the Unstereotype Alliance Japan National Chapter, HeForShe and WEPs, in close coordination with the relevant units at HQ, and contributes to JLO's engagement with youth groups.
Scope of Work
1. Support communication and advocacy/outreach activities
- Prepare inputs to JLO's advocacy and outreach work planning for activities that engage diverse stakeholders to advance gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE), in alignment with UN Women's Strategic Plan and corporate priorities.
- Liaise with relevant UN Women colleagues at HQ, regional and country levels on advocacy and communications activities related to Japan.
- Support the implementation of communications and advocacy activities, including by tracking progress, preparing updates, and flagging practical suggestions for improvement.
- Draft and adapt advocacy and communications materials for review, and support the dissemination of approved content. Provide inputs and logistical support to the launch of in-country UN Women/UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events.
- Draft content for partner visibility, donor and partnership reporting, website updates, social media posts and other platforms, for review and approval.
2. Support media relations activities
- Assist in maintaining and updating relevant media relationships and contact lists in Japan.
- Respond to routine inquiries for public and UN system information materials.
- Monitor traditional and digital media, compile relevant information, and prepare summaries of trends, opportunities and issues for internal consideration.
- Provide logistical and content support for roundtable discussions, media interviews, press conferences and press briefing sessions, as required.
- Draft communications products conveying UN Women's key messages to target audiences, including briefing notes, web stories, social media posts and other visibility content, for review by the supervisor.
3. Support advocacy partnerships, including with the private sector
- Support Unstereotype Alliance (UA) Japan National Chapter activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and following up with members.
- Provide administrative and coordination support to the secretariat function of the UA Japan Chapter and assist in liaising with partners.
- Support activities related to the HeForShe Initiative in Japan, including localization, outreach and communications tasks.
- Support advocacy activities related to the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), including communications, outreach and follow-up with stakeholders.
- Assist with private sector outreach by preparing background information, communication materials and follow-up notes for potential partnership opportunities.
- Liaise with the UN Women Japan National Committee to support alignment on brand consistency, corporate messaging, and collaboration on communications and advocacy activities, where appropriate.
- Support the organization of communications campaigns and events around key international days, such as International Women's Day, in collaboration with relevant partners and stakeholders.
4. Other duties
- Perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Workplace and Official Travel
- This is an office-based position.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: N/A
Competencies
Core Values:
- Respect for Diversity
- Integrity
- Professionalism
Core Competencies:
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
- Accountability
- Creative Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
- Inclusive Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Leading by Example
Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values
Functional Competencies:
- Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
- Knowledge of web-based management systems
- Knowledge of production, graphic design and photography standards
- Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
- Knowledge of local country media landscape
- Communication, networking and advocacy skills
- Ability to be strategic and analytical
- Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Certification
- A master’s degree in communications, media studies, journalism, gender, international relations, international development, marketing, or another related field.
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: journalism, public relations, private sector, advocacy, international relations, marketing, development, advertising, digital communications, multimedia agencies, or another relevant field, ideally with a particular focus on gender issues.
- Familiarity with media relations across traditional, digital and social media platforms is an asset.
- Experience supporting the organization of events, workshops or study sessions is an asset.
- Previous experience with UN Women or with another UN organization is an advantage.
- Previous exposure to the Japanese private sector is an advantage.
- Good writing skills, including the ability to draft clear reports, briefing notes and media talking points, are an advantage.
- Knowledge of UN Women's Strategic Plan (2026-2029) is an advantage.
- Familiarity with major social media platforms is an advantage.
- Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, and/or InDesign is an asset.
Languages
- Fluency in Japanese and English is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).