VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
LOCAL RECRUITMENT - TOKYO
(Personnel Service Agreement - PSA)
GEIC (Global Environment Information Centre) Coordinator
Tokyo, Japan


Organizational Unit:
United Nations University Centre/Global Environment Information Centre (UNU-HQ-GEIC), Tokyo, Japan

Reference Number: ESD/GEIC 2006

Closing date: 3 February 2006

Address applications to:
Environment and Sustainable Development Programme (Ref. No. ESD/GEIC 2006) United Nations University, 53-70, Jingumae 5-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan

Application process:
Applicants should send a full curriculum vitae and a letter of application giving a summary of their background and experience and describing how they can contribute to the Programme, no later than the above closing date by mail. The letter of application should not be more than one page long. In the application please include the above reference number, your full name, address, telephone, fax numbers and e-mail address. Please put the reference number also on the envelope. We regret that it will not be possible to acknowledge applications. Application documents will not be returned, and only short listed candidates will be contacted within one month after the closing date.

UNU/ESD Objectives:
UNU is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The strategy of the Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD) Programme is governed by the overall mission of UNU, "to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States". ESD Programme focuses on the interactions between human activities and the natural environment, and the implications for the sustainable management of natural resources.

In Yr.2006-2007, six projects are identified under the three thematic areas: "Integrated Environmental Monitoring and Assessment", "Management of Fragile Ecosystems", and "Education for Sustainable Development". In addition, two Associated Programmes are under the over-all management of ESD. They are: Global Environment Information Centre (GEIC) and Zero Emissions Forum (ZEF).

More detailed information about these themes and the related specific activities is available on the UNU home page: http://www.unu.edu/esd/.

Global Environment Information Centre (GEIC):
The Global Environment Information Centre (GEIC) is a joint initiative of the UNU and the Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MoE), and is under the over-all management and coordination of ESD as its Associated Programme. Its objective is to support the involvement of major groups identified in the United Nations' Agenda 21 in the implementation of sustainable development. Within the framework of its main goals of increasing networking and partnerships towards sustainable development, GEIC will undertake activities at national (Japan) and international levels. Various activities and programmes undertaken by the centre reflect its partnership with a larger network of national and international organizations. For further details of its projects/activities, please refer to http://www.geic.or.jp/geic/


Position description:
Under the overall supervision of the Vice-Rector of the UNU, the GEIC Coordinator will undertake research and manage a project on community based environmental management. The Coordinator will also be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the planning, implementation, organization, coordination, evaluation and administration of the GEIC programme. Specific tasks will include the following:


Coordinating activities under the UNU Innovative Communities Initiative, including planning and organization of research and training activities in Japan and in other countries, meetings and conferences, dissemination, networking and fund raising;
Serving as a focal point at the UNU Centre for the GEIC programme and ensuring the effective collaboration between UNU and the Japanese MoE; and Coordinating the overall programme of GEIC, through establishing links and implementing networking initiatives with other institutions and organizations at the national and global levels that are directly concerned with or related to GEIC activities.

Qualifications:
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or above), or equivalent, with specialization in environmental management issues, urban/rural planning, community based environmental education, multi-stakeholder partnership, or related. Three year's experience in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of research and training programmes. Ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment and experience in working with various sectors, especially NGOs in Asia and Pacific countries, is required. Fluency in English and good command of spoken Japanese is essential.

Remuneration:
This is a full-time position on a contractual basis. Remuneration will be determined depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate.

Duration of contract:
First contract for one year, with possible renewal upon completion of satisfactory work and availability of budget.

Starting date: Immediate. (Negotiable)

This is a locally recruited post and no-relocation expenses or allowances apply. The post is limited to a person residing in Japan, including non-Japanese holding a valid working visa. 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.

Applications from suitably qualified women and candidates originating from developing countries are particularly encouraged.