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
Office of the Rector
The Office of the Rector supports the Rector in his capacity as chief academic and administrative officer of the UNU. The Office assists in executive management and coordination of the UNU system and provides overall direction in matters of governance and policy development. The Office supports the work of the Universityโs governing board, the UNU Council, and manages the legal affairs of the University.
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Officer, the Consultant will support the planning, organisation and management of student workshops hosted by the Office of the Rector.
1. Stakeholder Coordination & Communication
Support UNU in liaising with external partners, clients, and institutional stakeholders regarding workshop organisation.
Schedule and lead planning meetings to align expectations, responsibilities, and timelines with all stakeholders.
2. Workshop Planning & Logistics Management
Oversee all venue arrangements, catering logistics, material preparation, and on-site needs.
Monitor logistical constraints (e.g., vendor delays or facility limitations) and propose effective alternatives as needed.
3. Guest Speaker & VIP Coordination
Manage formal communications, scheduling, and travel arrangements for UNU/UN officials, personnel and guest speakers.
Ensure smooth integration of guest speakers into the program and coordinate on-site support.
4. Participant Support & Certification
Handle participant communications, including dietary needs, visa processes, and general queries.
Organise and oversee distribution of certificates, commendation letters, and related documentation.
5. Post-Event Evaluation & Reporting
Collect and analyse participant feedback to assess workshop effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Prepare comprehensive post-event reports, including financial summaries and strategic recommendations for future sessions.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Officer and Chief of Staff.
Key performance indicators
Timely and quality development and implementation of student workshops hosted by the Rectorโs Office, ensuring ability to meet the annual planning objectives and maintain program continuity.
Strategic partnership development establishing new organisational and institutional partnerships regarding workshops, expanding the reach and sustainability of the workshop program by increasing client diversity and collaboration opportunities.
The programme budget is managed effectively, ensuring financial responsibility and effective resource management.
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
Masterโs degree in administration, accounting, finance, economics, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
2) Required skills and experience
A minimum of 1 year (with masterโs degree) or at least 3 years (with bachelorโs degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in an academic institution, international organisation, the private sector, or similar institution;
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work against tight deadlines;
Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Experience in project management, financial management, administration, sales, and accounting are an asset.
3) Language Requirements
Professional level Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
Professional level Fluency in Chinese (written and spoken) is highly desirable
Professional level Fluency in Japanese (written and spoken) is desirable
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Duration
The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC). Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.
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.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and based on a monthly rate to be submitted as part of the application procedure.
This contract carries no entitlement to paid annual leave nor sick leave.
Travel considerations
Should โmission travelโ 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 June 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 April 2025
Submissions must be received by mid-night JST time-zone on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
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
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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