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 that think tanks in the UNU system and is based at the university’s headquarters in Tokyo, dedicated to advancing global efforts towards a more sustainable future. UNU-IAS serves the international community through policy relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, integrating its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The activities of the institute are in four thematic areas: i) governance for sustainable development, ii) biodiversity & society, iii) water & resource management, and iv) innovation & education. The work of UNU-IAS is directed towards priority issues for the UN system and Member States, contributing to high-level policymaking and debates to address problems of global concern. For more information, please visit
The Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme is a thematic area of UNU-IAS, aiming to promote research and practices on innovative and inclusive education and lifelong learning for sustainable development at all ages. It serves as secretariat for renowned regional and global networks for education for sustainable development (ESD), including the Regional Centres for Expertise on ESD (RCEs), Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research (), and the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI). The IVE Programme currently develops a climate change teacher competency framework that is universally relevant and locally adaptable, in view of translating the competency framework to a UNU diploma programme for educators’ professional development.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of Director of UNU IAS, and the direct guidance and supervision of the Head of Research, the Consultant shall carry out the following activities:
1. Support the coordination of Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) with UNDESA and other key partners
Provide assistance in UNU’s co-leading roles in the HESI activities, including creating the annual work plan, drafting concept notes, communicating with HESI partners, and participating in the regular meetings;
Liaise with members of the HESI Action Group on Futures of Higher Education and Artificial Intelligence, including supporting the organization of at least two (2) Learning Lab Webinars and the production of at least two (2) AI and Sustainability Podcast production.
Support the evaluation of the activities, including conducting post-event surveys and drafting the activity report
2. Facilitate the inter-network taskforce and knowledge sharing between HESI and other UNU-IAS networks
In close collaboration with the liaison officer of SDG-UP, contribute to setting up and maintaining systemic measures to ensure the synergy between HESI, and SDG-UP, including formulation and coordination of the inter-network taskforce and dissemination at the General Assembly;
Closely collaborate with the Communication teams of UNU and UNU IAS to raise the visibility of HESI initiatives;
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Expand outreach of HESI beyond UNU, namely other UN agencies, leading universities and private sectors
3. Support the “Climate Change Education for All: Building Teacher Readiness for Climate Literacy” project
Support the research team in designing and implementing the pilot teacher training modules
Develop the post-training evaluation methodology, including evaluation questions and data collection tools
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Develop an educator toolkit based on the pilot results and enhancement of Climate Change Competency Framework for Educators (C3FE)
4. Provide technical assistance in enhancing and translating the pilot training into the diploma modules
Review the pilot training content, materials and participants feedback to identify areas for enhancement
Support adaptation of the pilot training content into structured diploma modules
Support preparation of classrooms materials
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Support coordination and communication with relevant stakeholders, including invited speakers
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors
Key performance indicators
Timely and quality development and implementation of SDG-UP and HESI activities and collaborative initiatives
Timely and good communications with SDG-UP member universities and Secretariat office, and HESI Secretariat.
Timely and quality submission of the activity reports
Timely and quality delivery of knowledge products with inter-network collaboration
Enhanced network of universities in Japan and overseas as well as business community and civil societies contributing to the visibility of UNU-IAS
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
1) Education and certification
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Master in social science, education, international studies, sustainability or related fields
2) Experience
++ Required:
At least 5 years of relevant research experience in education, ESD, climate change education, or a relate field, preferably in an international setting,
Knowledge of research and evaluation methods, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools and software is required;
Experience in developing research and knowledge products, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, evaluation reports, and others is required;
Experience with drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
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Experience with organizing research webinars and podcasts is required.
+Desired:
Experience in the existing network in higher education
Experience working on teacher training or professional development programmes
Knowledge of the UN system and of its functions and activities;
Experience in transformative education with digital and AI technology;
Proficiency in using technologies and familiarity with AI tools (GenAI, Agentic AI, etc.)
Language Requirements
Excellent writing and communications skills in English is required.
Proficiency in Japanese language is desired.
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Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Duration
15 October 2026 – 31 March 2027 (tentative)
Remuneration
Daily fee: JPY 27,000
Total amount: JPY 2,997,000 (maximum)
Payment schedule and conditions:
Daily fee of 27,000 JPY will be paid for the number of actual worked days.
The consultant is expected to work 20 days per month.
Payment, inclusive of all fees, will be made monthly upon submission of a time sheet and a brief activity report by the end of each month and approval by supervisor.
The successful candidate shall work under the Consultant Contract (CTC) (maximum 111 days during the contract period), as required by the assigned tasks for the aforementioned project. The consultant must have the necessary work permits.
The consultant must have the necessary work permits.
No consultant will be permitted to provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months within a thirty-six (36) month period. 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.
The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
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
25 September 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.
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