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 of Communications
The global UNU system comprises UNU 13 research and training institutes. UNU Centre โ Tokyo (Japan) serves as the programming, planning and administrative headquarters unit of the University. It comprises the Office of the Rector, Administration and Finance Services, the Campus Computing Centre, and the Office of Communications.
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Communications:
1. Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive media and stakeholder outreach strategy to raise the profile of UNU in Japan
Develop and maintain a comprehensive UNU Japanese stakeholder network to enhance communication efforts. Help identify and engage with influential Japanese agencies/partners who can amplify UNU's work among their networks in Japan.
Manage Japanese-language social media accounts and build campaigns targeting Japanese audiences; monitor and analyze digital outreach metrics to measure effectiveness and adjust strategies accordingly.
Act as liaison with stakeholders, including other UN organizations in Japan. Maintain and develop relationships with other UN staff in Japan and identify areas to increase inter-agency collaboration.
2. Provide regular insight and advice to the Head of Communications and the Office of the Rector on media and stakeholder relations opportunities in Japan.
Liaise between the Office of Communications and the Office of the Rector to identify opportunities, and propose strategies, for UNU to get more involved in events, activities, and initiatives taking place in Japan.
Pitch UNU's research, activities, and experts to Japanese journalists and media agencies (through press releases, media advisories, interviews, press conferences, feature stories, social media, etc.) to increase the positive coverage of UNU in Japanese media. Respond to media inquiries from Japanese media outlets.
Collaborate with other institutes, especially UNU-IAS, to identify media opportunities in the Japanese market that align with UNU research areas and expertise.
Seek out and facilitate media interviews with UNU personnel, and provide pre-interview assistance (coaching, preparation of key messages/background materials, etc.).
Develop, maintain, and track relationships with media representatives in Japan. Build and develop media contacts for effective news dissemination.
3. Pitch, lead and support UNU events and activities that connect UNU to the public in Japan
When the event or activitiy is led by the Rectorโs Office, provide promotion and event day support.
For OC-led events or activities, take a leadership role in ideation, planning, promotion, execution and event day management.
4. Supervise the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant in their role supporting domestic outreach and communications activities led by the Office of Communications.
Provide guidance to the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant in managing UNU's Japanese social media accounts. Propose additional platforms of potential use to UNU outreach efforts in Japan.
Support the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant in proposing, developing, and coordinating UNU outreach events and activities in Japan.
5. Manage UNU's Japanese website presence and printed marketing materials in Japanese.
Ensure Japanese website content is refreshed and up to date.
Translate, where appropriate, English material into Japanese and coordinate English/Japanese translations. Edit and proofread Japanese content, including material drafted by the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant.
Lead in the development of original content on UNU websites in Japanese, and support content creation in English.
Propose and facilitate the creation of UNU Japanese-language marketing materials as needed, with the support of the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant.
Assist in the development of UNU's web platform from a Japanese language perspective.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key performance indicators
Timely and development and implementation of a high-quality, comprehensive media and stakeholder outreach strategy
Timely delivery of high-quality website content
High level of engagement with stakeholders and media organizations
Successful mentorship and guidance of the Japan Outreach Communications Assistant
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ 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 โ 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 โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ 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 โ 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 โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Bachelor's degree or Masterโs degree in journalism, communications, international relations, marketing, or a related field.
2) Required skills and experience
Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of relevant experience OR Masterโs degree with two (2) years of relevant experience in journalism, communications, or other relevant fields, some of which preferably in an international setting;
Knowledge of social media platforms;
Experience in drafting press releases, articles and communications material is required;
Experience building media and stakeholder outreach strategies
Experience in event management
Excellent computer skills and web literacy
3) Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required
Fluency in Japanese is required
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL
Duration of contract
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.
For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.
Expected start date
As soon as possible or by 1 April 2025
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
28 February 2025
Submissions must be received by Midnight Japan time on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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