Programme Associate (partnership and negotiation), Biodiversity and Society (PSA)

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About Institute (UNU-IAS)

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 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 http://ias.unu.edu

BDS is an Academic Programme of UNU-IAS that implements activities to promote Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) by enhancing academic excellence. Based on the research outputs, the programme contributes to biodiversity related global discussions such as the negotiation for Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It also implements capacity development activities based on accumulated experience and knowledge on SEPLS, such as 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). The BDS programme also provides operational support for the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI), serving as its secretariat in a fair and participatory manner and leading its multi-stakeholder engagement process.

Responsibilities 

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager for the BDS programme, the Programme Associate (partnership and negotiation) will engage in biodiversity related policy discussion, capacity development programme, operational support of network managed by UNU-IAS and assistance of research activities to contribute to the promotion of BDS programme through responsibilities for the following duties:

1. Operate the IPSI Secretariat work

• Provide operational support for IPSI, with responsibility for communicating with member organizations;
• Engage in organizing the IPSI related meetings;
• Assist in development and operation of IPSI’s structural framework for implementation of the IPSI Plan of Action 2023-2030;
• Assist in dissemination of outputs of the IPSI related activities;

2. Contribute to International Framework

• Assist in the negotiation process under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other related international conferences to promote uptake of BDS outputs;
• Contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as the focal point of UNU;
• Engage in the Good Practice Task Force under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as a representative of the member organization;

3. Engage in Capacity Development Project

• Assist in the capacity development project based on the BDS’s activity on guideline of development and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs);
• Engage in other capacity development projects which contribute to the strategic objectives of the IPSI Plan of Action;

4. Assist with Related Research Activites

• Assist in the development the Satoyama Initiatiave Thematic Review
• Engage in other research related activities which contribute to the strategic objectives of IPSI Plan of Action as needed;

5. Perform any other duties as may be assigned or required by the Project Manager

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of BDS projects
• Timely, complete and accurate documentation
• Quality and level of communication with partners related to the project operation

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

Education and certification:

A Bachelor or higher degree in biodiversity, cultural diversity, sustainable community development or a related field.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years OR Master’s degree with 2 years of relevant working experience is required. Working experience in an international setting is desirable.
• Experience in developing and/or managing international network related to biodiversity/cultural diversity or sustainable community development.
• Familiarity with the UN system and the current issues discussed at the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Experience in international negotiating process on biodiversity and sustainable development is desirable.
• Good writing and editing skill for the general public and academic audience.
• Proven ability to efficiently manage a variable workload.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Strong ability in other official UN languages is an advantage.
• Japanese language ability is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of JPY 413,167 - 456,417 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.

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 UNU P11 Form (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 UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline:  
15 May 2024 (UTC)

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

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They 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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