Research Collaborator, Tokyo, Japan

United Nations University (UNU)

POSITION: Consultant Contract (CTC)

REFERENCE NO.: 2021/UNU/IAS/CTC/RC/OUIK/71

LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan

Timezone: UTC +9 CLOSING DATE: 2021/072/8

About United Nations University

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.

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

UNU-IAS is a UNU institute 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 three thematic areas: sustainable societies, natural capital and biodiversity, and global change and resilience. 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 http://ias.unu.edu.

Japan and Korea GIAHS Research Project

UNU-IAS and the Rural Development Administration of the Republic of Korea (RDA) are conducting a joint research project from 2018 to 2022, titled “Introduction of technologies on characteristic analysis and conservation management in Agricultural Heritage Systems”, with the aim to develop conservation management indicators and guidelines on evaluation of the sustainability of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System(GIAHS) in Japan and Korea, designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Director of UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa Kanazawa (UNU-IAS OUIK) in collaboration with the Project Researchers, the Research Collaborator will carry out the following tasks:

- support the UNU-IAS research on Korea and Japan GIAHS through consolidating the findings on the implementation status of SDGs under GIAHS Action Plan in Japan GIAHS in a written report that will serve as part of the project results
- support other activities in organising workshops, seminars, symposiums, and other events related to the aforementioned project
- support in the drafting of the aforementioned project final report and other outputs as relevant
perform other duties as may be assigned

Required qualifications

Required qualifications include:

a doctoral degree or equivalent in the field of environmental science, environmental engineering, rural and agricultural planning, or a related field
excellent writing and communication skills in English and Japanese; knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset
expertise in the monitoring and evaluation of GIAHS conservation in Japan
research experience in the implementation of SDGs for rural revitalisation and community building, and a sound record of, or potential for, publication with a focus on policy and practice
computer and web literacy
experience in management of research programmes is an asset
a good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Duration of contract

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for the above-mentioned project for five months from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021. Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

Remuneration

JPY 30,000 per day. The successful candidate is expected to work 2 days per week (average). There are no other fringe benefits.

Proposed payment schedule

Remuneration will be paid on a monthly basis, upon submission of monthly time sheet and monthly progress report.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

Expected start date

1 August 2021.

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.

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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