UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
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. 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.

Responsibilities
The Communications Associate will play an important role in the communications activities of UNU-IAS, with a particular focus on outreach and building relationships with target audiences in Japan. As part of the UNU-IAS Communications Team, the associate will support institutional communications initiatives including the UNU-IAS website, media relations, social media, brochures and other promotional materials.

The associate will also support the activities of the Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC), which is a joint initiative of UNU–IAS and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOEJ). GEOC engages with civil society and fosters multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance sustainable development, by conducting research and disseminating information online and through public symposiums and seminars.

Working under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and the direct supervision of the managers of the UNU-IAS Communications Team and GEOC, the Communications Associate will:

-publish and maintain content for the UNU-IAS and GEOC websites
-write, translate, review, edit, and format content for both print and online communications
-produce promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, annual reports, and event posters
-support the organisation of public events and workshops
-source content and liaise with content authors
-update social media accounts
-support media outreach by identifying opportunities, building relationships, and facilitating media interviews
-promote key events and publications through communications campaigns
-develop relationships and networks to enhance outreach
-conduct other relevant activities as necessary

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

-a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in sustainable development, environment, social sciences, communications or a related field; equivalent experience in combination with a bachelor’s degree will be considered
-a minimum of 2 years’ relevant working experience in an international setting
-excellent writing and communications skills in Japanese and English; this position requires native-level Japanese and at least business-level English; ability in other official UN languages is an advantage
-experience editing and/or proofreading Japanese content
-good understanding of the Japanese media and political landscape (domestic and international).
-knowledge of social media platforms and best practices
-familiarity with the UN system and current issues related to sustainability
-proven ability to efficiently manage a variable workload
-excellent computer skills and web literacy are essential; experience using HTML and/or Adobe suite of creative products is an asset
-good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Remuneration
Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. There are no other fringe benefits.

Duration of contract
This is full-time employment on a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) with UNU-IAS. Initial appointment will be for one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory work performance; the combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.

This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Starting date
As soon as possible