Job description
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 http://unu.edu
About Office/Institute
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
The Strategic Programme (SP) is a flagship programme implemented by the Strategy and Management Office (SMO) in
collaboration with Units of Thematic Programmes of the Institute and UNU-IAS partners under the Strategic Period 2025-
2029. The Strategic Programme implements a research project on the Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable
Development, focusing on synergies between climate change and sustainable development, budgeting, and monitoring &
evaluation system for SDGs. The SP, in collaboration with other units and partners of the UNU-IAS, is developing and
implementing policy-oriented capacity building and educational programmes such as Diploma Programme for
Specialisation on the Paris Agreement. The SP also promotes outreach activities on the knowledge of UNU-IAS through the
channel of Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC). The GEOC was jointly established by the Ministry of Environment
of Japan and UNU; its mission is to foster partnership between various stakeholders, such as international agencies,
national governments, local governments, companies, nonprofit organizations and citizens, to create a sustainable
society. GEOC's main activities include: (i) international partnership building, (ii) partnership building in Japan, and (iii)
information sharing and communication.
Responsibilities
With the guidance of the Head of the Strategic Programme of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced
Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), the consultant will conduct the following activities:
1.Implement research activities and capacity building in governance for climate change and sustainable development
in collaboration with the team of the Strategic Programme focusing on the following areas:
Conduct an in-depth analysis of sustainable and just energy transitions, including the impact assessment of energy
regulation on electricity access and just energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa, and residential renewable energy
technology uptake in Asian cities;
Provide inputs to the team based on findings of research activities; and
Assist in the delivery of the courses of governance for climate change and sustainable development.
2. Contribute to knowledge management and outreach in governance for climate change and sustainable
development through high-quality research outputs focusing on the following areas:
Produce 2 (two) or more manuscripts for academic articles on relevant research activities;
Produce one or more policy brief manuscripts relevant to the scope of research activities of governance for climate change and sustainable development; and
Engage in outreach activities related to academic papers and policy briefs.
3. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Key performance indicators
Quality and quantity of conducted research related to the assigned research project topics.
Quality and quantity of knowledge management and outreach activities related to academic papers and policy briefs.
Quality coordination of the team to implement academic and outreach activities.
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
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Master's degree in Sustainability Science or other relevant fields (Ph.D. is preferable)
2) Experience
At least 1 year of experience in teaching and research experience in professional institutions or higher education in the above-mentioned areas;
Experience in undertaking research projects and producing academic publications in the above-mentioned areas;
Experience in delivering lectures, reporting, communications, and presentations in the above-mentioned areas;
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
and
Research experience in African countries is an advantage
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset
Duration
October 2025 - March 2026 (22 weeks)
Remuneration
Daily Fee: JPY 25,804 (1USD=147.45 JPY UN Operational Rate as of 15 Sep)
JPY 1,986,908 (maximum) for up to 77 days during the contract period
Payment schedule and conditions:
Payment, inclusive of all fees, will be made based on a daily rate and the number of actual working days in the beginning of the following month after submission of the attendance sheet and the monthly progress report.
The Consultant is expected to work up to 3.5 days per week (77 days max during the contract 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.
You are reminded that 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 your sole responsibility.
The consultant must have the necessary work permits.
The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a โstaff memberโ as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Expected start date
October 2025 (tentatively)
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
7 Octber 2025 (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 โstaff memberโ 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.
Scam warning
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