Mission and objectivesUNDPโs Tokyo Office has provided crucial support to UNDP projects for sustainable human development. This support is achieved through donor relationships and the provision of liaison service for UNDP Headquarters and Country Offices and is supported by communications and advocacy activities for Japanese constituencies and the general public.
ContextTICAD unit is located at UNDP headquarter. A team of the TICAD Unit is outposted to UNDP Tokyo representation Office-TRO, where the UN Volunteer will be posted. The TRO brings diverse staff from different UNDP Regional offices. Thus, the UNV will lead to the development of an extensive human network within UNDP, with support from UNDP representation office in Japan and the TICAD Unit. In addition, since practical experience in youth engagement and partnerships is valued by any development agency or UN organization, regardless of UNDP, gaining skills and experience that can be deployed laterally can give the UN Volunteer a significant advantage in their future career in the development industry. Since the first TICAD welcomed 1,000 participants in Tokyo in 1993, TICAD has steadily grown into a major global platform for African development. TICAD VI was the first TICAD summit held in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya), brought together 11,000 high-level participants, the largest ever recorded. TICAD 8 was successfully held on 27 and 28 August 2022 in Tunisia. It welcomed Japan and African countries (48 African countries including 20 heads of state and government) and was successfully conducted in person with the adoption of the Tunis Declaration. Most recently the TICAD Ministerial Meeting was held from 24-25 August 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. The Meeting was attended by Ministers and the delegation of Japan and African Union Member States, together with representatives of TICAD co-organizers, namely the United Nations, the UNDP, the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC), as well as international and regional organizations, the private sector and civil society organizations from Japan and Africa. The Ministerial Meeting was an opportunity to also highlight the importance of mutual exchanges between African and Japanese youth to promote creativity and sustainable socio-economic change and to co-create transformative solutions. In parallel to the Ministerial Meeting, two youth-centered initiatives were launched by UNDP in partnership with JICA, AUC, UNV, private sector. The Model African Union, engaging close to 300 university students from Japan and Africa, and the Youth Drive which resulted in the launch of the vision of the future they want as responsible actors for change. The Model African Union conference is the first attempt to ensure mutual understanding of Africa's potential and challenges youth delegates who assumed the roles of heads of state and ministers to craft innovative solutions for key continental development issues. Similarly, the Youth Drive highlighted the role of youth in setting the vision for the future they want. Using a future design approach, youth organizations from Japan and Africa based in Japan reflected on the future of the Africa-Japan partnership, including climate justice, employability, peace and security. Both initiatives exemplified the spirit of TICAD through peer-to-peer exchanges, with participants learning through dialogue and proposing concrete solutions aligned with Agenda 2063. Looking ahead to the 9th TICAD Summit in August 2025, UNDP is committed to supporting youth groups in leveraging these two initiatives, organizing the second edition of the Model African Union, and finalizing the Youth Drive Agenda and Action Plan 2055.
Task DescriptionThe UN Volunteer will be posted at the UNDP Representative Office in Tokyo under the direction and supervision of TICAD Partnership Specialist and will undertake the following tasks: Summary of the tasks: - Contribute to the research, design, and implementation of TICAD Unit plans related to partnership building. - Contribute to the research, design, and implementation of TICAD Unit strategies focused on youth engagement. Facilitate Partnership Building - Identify opportunities for UNDP in its relationship with entities associated with Africa based in Japan Enhance Youth Engagement Initiatives - Take a leading role in advancing the \"Model AU\" initiative in Japan by coordinating and facilitating collaboration between youth and students from Japan and Africa residing in Japan, as well as with the initiative's co-organizers and advisory organizations - Play a central role in coordinating the Youth Drive initiative, in close contact with the network of Japanese NGOs, CSOs, and the African Diaspora Network in Japan to ensure the successful formulation of the Youth Agenda 2055. Support Production of Knowledge Management and Communication Products - Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice in close collaboration with the TICAD unit and the UNDP Representation Office in Tokyo. - Contribute to communication materials that enhance UNDPโs visibility and strengthen relationships with current and potential partners. - Design and edit knowledge management and communication products for the TICAD unit. Results/expected outputs: As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: - Contribution to initiatives aimed at fostering youth participation and collaboration between Japan and African youth. - Support for the development and management of partnerships with various stakeholders, including African diplomatic entities, African diaspora communities, Academia, the private sector etc. - Support in creating communication materials that enhance awareness of UNDPโs activities and its partnership efforts. - Active involvement in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contributing to collaborative networks for learning across UNDP and its partners.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Creativity โข Judgement and decision-making โข Planning and organizing โข Professionalism โข Self-management
Living conditions and remarksJapan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates and high personal security. The countryโs efficient transportation system includes an extensive rail network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), making travel between cities fast and convenient. Japan experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters, particularly in northern regions where snowfall is common. The climate varies between regions, with southern areas enjoying milder weather and northern areas experiencing more extreme seasonal changes. Japan has an abundance of high-quality food and water, with fresh, safe options readily available in markets, supermarkets, and restaurants. Tap water is potable, and food safety standards are extremely high. Electricity is stable and reliable across the country. Medical facilities in Japan are of very high standards, with advanced healthcare systems and technology. Banking facilities are widely accessible, with ATMs, credit cards, and banking services available throughout the country. In terms of cultural awareness, Japan places high value on respect, politeness, and consideration for others. When living in Japan, it's important to show courtesy, be punctual, and follow local etiquette regarding behavior and interactions.